Treasure hunters have destroyed an ancient rock-cut mausoleum in Erzerum (historically Karin-tert.am) located in the territory of modern-day Turkey, reported the Turkish arkeolojihaber.net.

It is assumed that the mausoleum was built in the era of the Urartu Armenian Kingdom.

It is stated that those who illegally made excavations in the territory in search of gold also launched self-made explosives, causing great harm to the mausoleum.

Omar Faruk Kizilkaya, who is currently exploring the history and culture of Erzerum, has recorded that the treasure hunters’ actions have caused a tremendous amount of damage to the historic mausoleum. They have excavated and opened all the rooms of the mausoleum and launched explosives near the entrance to the mausoleum, the effects of which were later detected by law-enforcement authorities.

Kizilkaya also stated that one can often encounter such historic mausoleums in the territory of Erzerum and requested that the relevant authorities focus on their protection.