The Wall Paintings In Kef Cave

Authors : İsmail Coşkun, Cevdet Merih Erek, Mine Balkan

Pages : 117-133

Doi:10.58488/collan.1727348

View : 104 | Download : 206

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Kef Cave is located in the Adilcevaz district of Bitlis province in the Eastern Anatolia Region. The cave lies directly beneath Kef Fortress, where a new phase of excavations has been ongoing since 2021. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters, the cave overlooks the Adilcevaz Plain and Lake Van. Rich water sources surround the cave. On the wall at the entrance, there are stylized figures painted (?). Three of these figures are distinguishable. One of these is a female figure, which has a lower section in the shape of an inverted triangle. The upper section, in contrast, is slender and schematic in nature. Another figure depicts a human riding a horned animal, though due to erosion, the gender of this figure cannot be determined. Adjacent to it, there is an individual with arms hanging downward, whose structural form suggests that it is a male. Although Eastern Anatolia is a region rich in cave paintings, challenging geographical conditions have limited the scope of identification and documentation efforts. In this context, Kef Cave emerges as a site of particular significance. Increasing research in the region will allow for a more detailed examination of Kef Cave and similar sites.
Keywords : Adilcevaz, Kef Mağarası, Mağara Resimleri, Duvar Resimleri, İnsan Figürü.

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