In Konya, silicone statues of the sultans from the Seljuk Empire of Turkey, which ruled Anatolia from 1077 to 1308, were created using DNA and anatomy analysis. These statues provide visitors with insights into the appearance of the sultans.
With a six-year scientific study conducted on the remains extracted from the royal tomb, the facial and bodily appearances of 12 sultans and 17 royal family members have been revealed. Their statues have been on display for 1.5 years at the Dar-ül Mülk Exhibition Palace, under the Konya Metropolitan Municipality.
The exhibition, which has attracted great interest from both local and foreign visitors, welcomes attendees with statues of the sultans of the era standing in front of crown gates that reflect the architectural wealth of the state.
Hülya Acar, the guide at the Dar-ül Mülk Exhibition Palace, mentioned that both Turkish and English guided tours are offered to local and foreign tourists, explaining the scientific studies conducted and the process of creating the statues.
Acar stated, "In the past 1.5 years, 163,000 people have visited here, with over 1,500 of them coming from abroad. We have welcomed visitors from many different parts of the world. The tombs of the sultans are located on Alaeddin Hill. After visiting there, those who come here find the sultans with a 90% resemblance. It is very impressive and exciting for those who first visit the tomb and then see the sultans here."
Emphasizing that the DNA analysis has determined every detail of the royal family members, including skin, eye, and hair color, illnesses, and causes of death, Acar said:
"The facial reconstruction was done based on these findings. We get to see how they looked. We can observe the color of the sultans' hair, their posture, height, and muscle structure. There are details identified, from the skin color to the surface skin tone. Therefore, with a 90% resemblance, we are looking at how they appeared in their final stages before death, at the same age they were when they lived. That's why each of them looks different ages. Some are 21 years old, some are 83, and some are 8."
