Babaleison

A history that stretches back to the oldest lands of Eastern Anatolia. It takes its name from Ahlat, one of the oldest settlements in Anatolian history. In fact, the history of Bitlis Ahlat dates back to the Neolithic Age, known as the New Stone Age.

The pre-written history of Ahlat and its surroundings is quite obscure. Throughout history, Bitlis has been known by different names. The Assyrians called it Bit-Liz, the Persians and Greeks called it Bad-Lis or Bad-Lais, the Byzantines called it Bal-Lais-on ("Babaleison"), the Arabs called it Bad-Lis, and the Armenians called it Pageş or Pagişi. In the Assyrian language, the word "Bit" means homeland and "Bet" means fortress. Therefore, Bit-Liz means "Homeland of Liz" and Bet-Lis means "Fortress of Liz."

The name Bitlis is derived from Badlis, one of the close commanders of Alexander the Great. It originated from an event that occurred during an illness. He named the fortress he could not conquer from his own commander as Badlis, which means "Homeland (Fortress) of Liz."

Furthermore, Ahlat, considered the first Turkish settlement in Anatolia, was conquered by Turks who migrated from Asia to Anatolia from 1061 onwards, seeking a new homeland. Kubbetü’l-İslam (Dome of Islam) is a term used to describe cities known for their scholars, religious figures, cultural and artistic contributions, mystics, and ascetics.

Ahlat in Turkey's Bitlis province, Balkh in Afghanistan, and Bukhara in Uzbekistan are the only settlements in the world known by this title. Drawing from our rich history, we have endeavored to bring together traditional local products from Anatolia for you. Here, we continue to honor our traditional culinary culture. We have strived to create a visually pleasing and simple environment, incorporating the delicacy of our art.

Enjoy your meal…