Ezidi Dungeon at Risk of Disappearance in Turkey
The Ezidi Dilşah Dungeon, located at the foot of Arîkele (Ali Kelle) Mountain in the Ebex (Çaldıran) district of Van, Turkey, is facing the threat of extinction.
The 18th-century structure, built by the Ezidi leader Kok Ağa and later administered by his daughter Dilşah, is one of the few remaining historical sites tied directly to Ezidi heritage in the region. Measuring about 15 meters in length and divided into 12 compartments, the dungeon once functioned as part of the Ezidi justice system. Those who harmed women and children, stole, or violated social rules were confined there. Oral traditions recall that some offenders spent years inside, while others never repeated their crimes after release.
In front of the building once stood four cupolas, though only two ruins survive today. The site has been repeatedly damaged by treasure hunters, who dig indiscriminately around the dungeon in search of riches. Locals say the area is now scarred by countless pits, clear evidence of ongoing looting.
With no restoration or protection efforts, the structure is increasingly vulnerable to collapse. For many Ezidis, the site also carries symbolic importance: it bears the name of Dilşah, remembered as a woman of authority who helped maintain social order.
Some villagers attribute a sacred quality to the dungeon, reporting lights or voices near the site at night. Whether seen as a historical monument or a place of memory, the Dilşah Dungeon is an irreplaceable part of Ezidi heritage. Without immediate preservation, it risks being lost entirely.
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Êzîdî Dilşah Zindanı 🗺️📍(maps)
Nestled in the Çaldıran district of Van province, the Dilşah Dungeon is a fascinating historical site carved directly into the rock. Believed to date back to the Ezidi period, the dungeon was designed with a unique and imposing structure—once inside, leaving was nearly impossible. It’s a striking reminder of the region’s rich history and the stories of justice and resilience that have shaped it.
