New Discoveries on Anatolian Seljuk Sultans
Researchers have gained valuable insights into the profiles of several members of the Anatolian Seljuk Dynasty through DNA and anatomical analysis of remains found in their tombs.
A faculty member from the Department of Fine Arts at Gazi University's Faculty of Education and his team dedicated six years to creating silicone statues that closely resemble the facial and bodily features of the sultans. This effort was part of the "Turkey Seljukians' Konya Dynasty Tomb Remains Arrangement Project." During this work, valuable historical and genetic information about the royal family members was also uncovered.
The 17 statues, including 12 sultans, are currently displayed at the Dar-ül Mülk Exhibition Palace in Konya, where they have been attracting public attention for nearly two years.
The project initially focused on reassembling, cataloging, and restoring bones that were missing parts of their skeletal structure. In the later phases, a detailed study was conducted to reconstruct the faces of the sultans, whose bodily integrity had been restored using silicone sculptures.
This long-term project involved collaboration with experts in the field. DNA samples were taken from the sultans and sent to the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute, where their genealogies, phenotypes (genetic and physical traits), and familial connections were identified. Additionally, physical features such as skin thickness and height were determined, which played a crucial role in facial reconstruction.
The research also uncovered many fascinating details, including the diseases and causes of death of the Anatolian Seljuk sultans.
One of the key findings was related to Sultan Kilij Arslan II. While the book of Ibn Bibi, a primary source on the history of the Anatolian Seljuk State, and descriptions by Byzantine historians suggested that Sultan Kilij Arslan II was of very short stature, the study revealed that he actually stood at 1.83 meters (6 feet) tall. As he aged, his bone structure changed, causing a hunchback and giving the impression of a shorter height.
Regarding Sultan Giyaseddin I, Byzantine historians have stated that he was beheaded by a Byzantine knight. However, the research showed that he was actually killed in battle by a surprise attack. Additionally, Sultan Giyaseddin II, who lost the Battle of Köse Dağ, was found to have suffered from multiple genetic disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, which caused significant issues with the shape of his skull.
The researchers expressed pride in the project, emphasizing that the knowledge it provided about the Turkish nation, Turkish history, and the Anatolian Seljuk sultans was of immense value.
