Preliminary study of the hypogeum structures of the Kale of Bitlis in south-western Turkey

Abstract

Archaeological excavations conducted since 2004 at the Kale (castle) of Bitlis in south-western Turkey have revealed several different rooms inside of the imposing fortress that overlooks the city. During this research, besides the wall structures, pottery, glass and metals were found which made it possible to determine the chronology and use of the building and of its various rooms. Among the various structures that were found, two of them, completely hypogeal, were surveyed and studied by the Center for Subterranean Studies of Genoa and in this article are discussed and compared with other similar subterranean structures.