Historic excavation: the remarkable discovery of a 19th-century Russian soldier’s grave in Türkiye

In April 2017, construction work in Ardahan, a town in northeastern Turkey, revealed a remarkable piece of history: the grave of a 19th-century Russian soldier, Lieutenant Colonel Karl Karlovich.

Ardahan, a town with deep historical roots, found itself at the centre of this important discovery in its Karagol district, an area that fell to Russian troops in May 1877 during the Russo-Turkish War. The discovery was not of any gravity; the coffin bore the distinctive mark of a Russian Orthodox cross, symbolising the soldier’s faith and heritage.

This element alone highlighted the cultural and historical connections that span continents and centuries, underlining the deep entanglements between the Russian and Ottoman empires. The decision regarding the discovered remains was made with a deep sense of responsibility and respect for cultural heritage.

The Kars Regional Council for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage discussed the fate of the remains of Lieutenant Colonel Karl Karlovich and concluded that they should be transferred to a local museum.

This decision ensures that the soldier’s memory and history, as well as the broader historical context in which he lived and served, are preserved and respected. These discoveries are not merely academic or historical notes. 

They serve as poignant reminders of the past, offering insight into the lives of those who came before us and the complex tapestry of human history that connects us across time and space.

The final resting place of Lieutenant Colonel Karl Karlovich, now part of a museum collection, provides a tangible link to the past, inviting reflection on the events that shaped the present and the connections that unite us across cultures and borders.