Mongolian Ilkhanid ruler Hulagu Khan governed one of the strongest states in the Middle East during the 13^th century. Even though Mongolian rule was often associated with destruction, in reality Ilkhanids were also great patrons of arts and architecture.

According to the historical records, Hulagu Khan sponsored the construction of a summer palace in Çaldıran district of the city of Van between 1260-1265. In search for this now-lost palace, Turkish and Mongolian academics are working together. The academic cadre includes historians, archaeologists, art historians, a Sinologist and a Turcologist.

As initial findings, a previously unrecorded ruin of a caravanserai was discovered in addition to ceramics and a ceramics kiln. Those ceramics have similar characteristics that are found in the city of Karakorum, Mongolia. After these promising discoveries, the location of further excavations decided for the following years.

If found, the discovery of Hulagu Khan’s summer palace will be a huge contribution not only to the archaeology of Turkiye, but also of Mongolia.

Sources: Anadolu Agency, Daily Sabah.