Biological Assessment on External Reliefs of the Historical Akdamar Church: Reliefs of Mammals

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1 Zoogeography and Faunistics Research Article ACTA ZOOLOGICA BULGARICA Acta zool. bulg., 70 (3), 2018: Biological Assessment on External Reliefs of the Historical Akdamar Church: Reliefs of Mammals Özdemir Adizel 1, Kubilay Toyran 2 & Erkan Azizoğlu 1* 1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey; s: ozdemiradizel@yyu.edu.tr, e.azizoglu65@gmail.com 2 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Bitlis Eren University, Bitlis, Turkey; ktoyran@beu.edu.tr Abstract: The Akdamar Church on the Akdamar Island, Lake Van, located within the borders of Bitlis and Van Provinces, is a historical artifact dating back to the XI-th Century. While historical reliefs on the external walls of the church point out religious and cultural values, they also include various biological figures. Reliefs of plants, birds and mammals, virtually as fossils, give significant clues about biological diversity from the region from those periods. In this study, detailed photographs of reliefs representing mammals on the walls of the church were compared with currently known species and species on the reliefs were identified. Thus, similarities between mammal fauna of the region in the past and nowadays were revealed. In this study, a total of 17 mammal species (including three domestic animals) were identified. Key words: Akdamar Church, Akdamar Island, Van Province, relief figures, mammal fauna Introduction * Corresponding author: e.azizoglu65@gmail.com The Akdamar Island is 1.5 km long and 0.5 km wide, with the total coastal length of 3 km and surface area of 70,000 m 2 ; it is popular destination for tourists (Kaya et al. 2013). It is located within the borders of the Gevaş District of the Van Province in Eastern Anatolia and is the second largest island in the Lake Van. The distance of the island from the shoreline is about 4 km (Alaeddinoğlu 2006). The Akdamar Island has become famous with the church, which is located in the south-eastern part of the island and has the same name. King Gagik I of Vaspurakan had built the Akdamar Church for the monk Manuel. The Chapel in the north-eastern part of the church was built between 1296 and 1336; Jamatun in the west in 1793; bell tower in the east in the late 18 th century. The repertory of figures of the church is substantially rich. In addition, there are various scenes taken from the Bible and the Torah. There are scenes of the Prophet Yunus (Jonah) thrown into the sea, Mary and Jesus in her arms, Adam and Eve s expulsion from heaven, Prophet David s fight with King Goliath, Samson s Palestinian duo, three young Jewish men into the fire, Daniel in the lion s den. It is possible to see abundant animal figures, ivies of grape fern and other figures (Alaeddinoğlu 2006). Reliefs on the upper parts of the church give clues about the animal species inhabiting the region along with belief, culture and daily life around the church (Güzel 2003). The church was repaired a few times after its construction and some parts were added at a later stage. Finally, it was opened to visit between 2005 and 2007, after restoring it in accordance with the original by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Öztürk 2006, Öztürk et al. 2007). Generally, most of studies conducted on the church concerned the historical status of the structure after 1960s, architectural characteristics, internal and external ornaments, additions and restoration works (Otto-Dorn 1963, Davies 1991, Ibşiroglu 2003, Güzel 2003, Lehner & Ohandjanian 2004, 339

2 Adizel Ö., K. Toyran & E. Azizoğlu Fig. 1. The historical Akdamar Church. Öztürk 2006, Öztürk et al. 2007). A detailed study about the animal figures on the reliefs on the walls of the church has not been conducted until today. The purpose of the present study is to obtain information about the mammal species inhabiting this geographical region in the past by evaluating the mammal figures on the reliefs dating back to 1100 and to compare mammal diversity from the past up to the present. Materials and Methods This study was conducted between 2014 and 2015 in the Akdamar Island located within borders of the Gevaş District in the Van Province (Figs. 1, 2). Detailed photographs of mammal reliefs found on the walls of the Akdamar Church were taken. April and May of 2014 and 2015 were preferred in order to enhance the quality of the photographs, as during this time of the year evaporation is relatively low. Species on the photographs were identified by utilising the available literature (e.g. Harrison & Bates 1991, Demirsoy 1996, Baskin & Danell 2003, Wilson & Reeder 2005, Albayrak et al. 2007). The current categorical status of species according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was also given (Anonymous 2016). In addition, the present species diversity in the Lake Van Basin was evaluated based on field studies carried out in the region. Results Fig. 2. A view from the Akdamar Church and reliefs on its walls. We identified a total of 14 mammalian species of the orders Lagomorpha (hares), Carnivora (predators) and Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates). Three domestic mammal species (dog, horse and donkey) were identified. Order Lagomorpha Family Leporidae Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778) (European hare) Based on the general body lines and especially on the characteristic ears, the European hare was clearly identified on the reliefs (Fig. 3). This species is presently registered as a Least Concern species according to the criteria of the IUCN and also meets this criteria in Turkey. The European hare has a quite dense population in the Lake Van Basin. Order Carnivora Family Canidae Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) (Red fox) A fox with a typical general body structure and its prominently striking tail was depicted. A 340

3 Biological Assessment on External Reliefs of the Historical Akdamar Church: Reliefs of Mammals Fig. 3. Relief of an European hare (Lepus europaeus) Fig. 4. Relief of a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) Fig. 5. Reliefs of brown bears (Ursus arctos) fox with a characteristic prominent tail was also depicted (Fig. 4). This species is registered today as a Least Concern species according to the criteria of the IUCN and falls into this category in Turkey. The species has a considerably dense population in the Lake Van Basin. Family Ursidae Ursus arctos (Linnaeus, 1758) (Brown bear) A brown bear was depicted by its large and rough body structure and stubby legs (Fig. 5). This species is registered in our days as a Least Concern species according to the criteria of the IUCN. It is categorised as an Endangered species in Turkey. Currently, the species inhabits the Lake Van Basin. Family Mustelidae Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777) (Beech marten) The animal in the relief is thought to be a beech marten as suggested by its short legs, small ears and long and thick tail (Fig. 6). Today this species is registered as Least Concern by the IUCN (as well as in Turkey). The species has a quite dense population in the Lake Van Basin. Family Felidae Lynx lynx (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lynx) Based on the general body lines, spotted coat, paw and short tail, this relief was clearly identifies as a lynx (Fig. 7). Today this species is categorised as a Least Concern species according to the criteria of the IUCN. In Turkey, it is assessed as an Endangered species. Even though the species is rare, the species currently inhabits the Lake Van Basin. Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Leopard) The relief reminds of a leopard because of the general body lines, the tail length and the spots on the coat (Fig. 8). This species is registered as Vulnerable according to the criteria of the IUCN. It is in danger of extinction in Turkey. There are strong evidences about its existence in the Lake Van Basin. Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lion) We identified lions in two reliefs based on the prominent mane and general body structure. Male lions with mane were likely chosen as more characteristic than females in all of the reliefs depicting lions (Figs. 9, 10). This species is registered as Vulnerable 341

4 Adizel Ö., K. Toyran & E. Azizoğlu Fig. 7. Relief of a lynx (Lynx lynx) Fig. 6. Relief of a beech marten (Martes foina) Fig. 8. Reliefs of leopards (Panthera pardus) according to the criteria of the IUCN. While lions used to live in Anatolia in the past, it is extinct at the present time. Order Artiodactyla Family Suidae Sus scrofa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Wild boar) One of the reliefs clearly depicted a wild boar as based on the general body structure, the characteristic stubby snout and distinctive canine teeth on the lower jaw. The canine tooth on the lower jaw is more distinct in male individuals as compared to females (Fig. 11). This species, today, is registered as Least Concern according to the criteria of the IUCN and is also assessed in this category in Turkey. The species has a quite dense population in the Lake Van Basin. Family Cervidae Cervus elaphus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Red deer) Huge antlers and stubby tail make us think that the animal in the this relief is a male red deer (Fig. 12). Females do not have antlers. This species is registered as Least Concern according to the criteria of the IUCN. There are regional differences in Turkey and it is placed in various categories. The species is almost extinct in the Lake Van Basin. Dama mesopotamica (Brooke, 1875) (Mesopotamian fallow deer) Typical antler structure in the relief suggested of fallow deer species most among other deer species. While the lower part of the male antlers has a branched structure, their upper part is broad and shovel-shaped (pitchfork) (Fig. 13). Female individuals do not have antlers. They are also referred as moose in the region. This species is registered as Endangered according to the criteria of the IUCN. It is considered an endangered species in Turkey, too. The species is extinct around the Lake Van Basin. Family Bovidae 342

5 Biological Assessment on External Reliefs of the Historical Akdamar Church: Reliefs of Mammals Fig. 9.9.Reliefs lions (Panthera leo) leo) Reliefs of lion (Panthera Fig. 9.Fig. Reliefs ofoflion (Panthera leo) Fig. 10. Relief describing hunting of a lion Fig. 10. A relief describing hunting of a lion Fig The Relief of aof wild boar (Sus(Sus scrofa) Fig. relief wild boar scrofa) Fig. 12. Reliefs of red deer (Cervus elaphus)

6 Adizel Ö., K. Toyran & E. Azizoğlu Fig. 13. Relief of head of a Mesopotamian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica) Fig. 14. Reliefs of goitered gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa) Fig. 15. Reliefs of wild goats (Capra aegagrus) 344 Gazella subgutturosa (Güldenstaedt, 1780) (Goitered gazelle) The thin legs, relatively long tail and jumping figures in reliefs suggest that the animal depicted is likely a gazelle (Fig. 14). This species is registered as Vulnerable according to the IUCN criteria. It is categorised as endangered in Turkey. The species is extinct in the Lake Van Basin. Capra aegagrus (Erxleben, 1777) (Wild goat) An adult mountain goat was depicted in reliefs as evidenced by the horn structure and the general appearance of the body. In addition, a typical beard was observed on the lower jaw of males (Fig. 15). This species is registered as Vulnerable according to the IUCN criteria and is in this category in Turkey, too. The species continues to inhabit the Lake Van Basin. Ovis aries (Linnaeus, 1758) (Wild sheep) Structure of horns and tail in some reliefs points out to a typical wild male sheep (Fig. 16). Females

7 Biological Assessment on External Reliefs of the Historical Akdamar Church: Reliefs of Mammals do not have horns. This species, today, is registered as Vulnerable by the IUCN and falls into the same category in Turkey. The species continues to inhabit the Lake Van Basin. Rupicapra rupicapra (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chamois) A chamois was depicted in reliefs and was identified based on the typical horn and general body structure. In reliefs, the horns begin from the forehead and curve backwards (Fig. 17). Both males and females have horns. Currently, this species is categorised as Least Concern according to the IUCN criteria. It continues to inhabit in the Lake Van Basin. We determined that except for the wild mammal figures, there were reliefs of domestic dogs, horses and a donkey on the walls of the church (Figs. 18, 19, 20). Discussion Fig. 16. Relief of a wild sheep (Ovis aries) Turkey, having continental characteristics, has a considerable biodiversity and approximately 170 mammalian species (Toyran 2016). However, nu- Fig. 17. Reliefs of chamoises (Rupicapra rupicapra) Fig. 18. Reliefs of domestic dogs (The left one can be the Turkish big dog - Kangal) 345

8 Adizel Ö., K. Toyran & E. Azizoğlu Fig. 19. Reliefs of horses Fig. 20. Relief of a donkey merous mammals have gone extinct or have become almost extinct due to various reasons. Loss of habitats and intensive hunting pressure are shown as the major causes. While the Lagomorpha are represented with only one species in Turkey today (Demirbaş & Albayrak 2014), the Carnivora are represented with 19 species (Albayrak et al. 2008, Toyran 2016), and the Artiodactyla with 13 species (Albayrak et al. 2007). Reliefs on the Akdamar Church constitute a significant source shedding light on to biodiversity of the Lake Van Basin in the past. With this study, 14 mammalian species are identified. One of the identified species was of Lagomorpha, six of the Carnivora and seven of the Artiodactyla. Two of the identified carnivore species, the lion (Panthera leo) and the leopard (Panthera pardus), have become extinct in Turkey. However, there are crucial traces in the region (Lake Van Basin) regarding the existence of leopard (Avgan et al. 2016). Spassov et al. (2016) stated in a study compiling data on leopard s presence in Turkey that the geographical range of this species overlapped a small border area in the south-east of Turkey. The other identified species of the Carnivora (Vulpes vulpes, Ursus arctos, Martes foina, Lynx lynx) have a quite wide distribution in the region at the present time. There are no extinct species of the orders Lagomorpha and Artiodactyla. However, the distribution and the population of almost all of the species of the order Artiodactyla in the region have substantially decreased; the wild boar, on the other hand, has a dense population in the region. The taxonomic status of Dama mesopotamica, known as sığın in Turkey, is controversial. Although Haltenorth (1959), Ferguson et al. (1985), Uerpmann (1987), Harrison & Bates (1991) regard Dama mesopotamica as a distinct species, Feldhamer et al. (1988) and Geist (1998) have recorded Dama mesopotamica as a subspecies of Dama dama. However, Randi et al. (2001) and Pitra et al. (2004) recorded Dama mesopotamica as a full species based on their work on the evolution and phylogeny of the Old World deer. In this study, we considered the fallow deer on the walls of the church as Dama mesopotamica because of the fact that the area where the church is located is in the geographical range of Dama mesopotamica as well as based on literature data. In addition to the reliefs showing wild mammalian species, figures of domestic dogs, horses and a donkey are noted in the reliefs. While the dog has been a loyal friend to humankind for centuries, the horse and donkey have played an important role in daily life as well and still continue to play this role in the region. References Alaeddinoğlu F Suggestions for Planning and Determining Tourism Potentials of Van Province. Doctorate Thesis, Ankara University Social Sciences Institute, Ankara Albayrak İ., Pamukoğlu. N. & Kaya M. A Bibliography 346

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