Door of Mher, Prehistoric dolmen in Van Province, Turkey.
The Door of Mher is a prehistoric monument built from stone blocks fitted together to form a chamber-like structure, with horizontal stones resting on vertical supports. The site displays carefully planned architectural solutions for holding the heavy stones in stable position.
The structure dates to the 8th century BC and was built as a sanctuary by the Urartians, an ancient kingdom in the region. Bilingual inscriptions confirm its religious importance and document the rule of local dynasties from that period.
The site takes its name from an Armenian word meaning door, and its stone surfaces bear carved inscriptions that point to ritual practices and religious beliefs. Visitors can see these markings etched directly into the rock, gaining a direct sense of the spiritual life from that era.
Access to the monument requires travel through mountainous terrain, making sturdy footwear and basic fitness helpful. The best time to visit is during months with stable weather, when the mountain paths are more walkable.
A German scholar named Friedrich Eduard Schulz visited the site between 1826 and 1828 and made the first accurate copies of the inscriptions. This early scholarly visit helped bring the monument to the attention of international academic circles.
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