KARS - Excavations, which started yesterday to unearth a mass grave in Derecik village in eastern province of Kars in which 360 Turkish people had been buried by Armenians, were finalized on Tuesday.
Prof. Dr. Abdusselam Ulucam from the Yuzuncu Yil University in eastern province of Van told the A.A correspondent that they carried out excavations in the area by using archaeological methods.
''We have found nearly 40 skulls and a number of bones and skeletons so far. Most of these bones belonged to children and women. Also, we have found several pieces of jewelry. These skulls and bones were re-buried in the mass grave after being shrouded. Confederation of Turkish Associations in Europe will erect a monument in the area out of respect to these people,'' he said.
Turkish History Institution Chairman Prof. Dr. Yusuf Halacoglu said, ''we have unearthed 40 skulls so far. There are remains of 360 Turkish people in the mass grave. We do not want to torture them any more. It is meaningless to exhume all bodies in the grave. We have unearthed the mass grave and documented this massacre. The world public opinion saw it. A monument will be erected in the area in the coming months.''
Meanwhile, residents in Derecik village said that in fact more than 360 people were killed.
Naim Ersoy told the A.A correspondent, ''my aunt Rebie Birlik had survived this mass massacre together with four people. Two days before committing the massacre, Armenians collected all weapons in the village. There were a few men in the village because of the World War I. Armenians forced women and children to gather in a hayloft in the middle of the village. They, they set the hayloft on fire. A number of elderly people, women and children were massacred bloodthirstily. My aunt and four other women were rescued from the fire by Greek people.''
According to official records, there are more than 100 mass graves in Eastern Anatolia Region.
German ZDF TV Channel filmed the excavation works in the village.
(UK-AÖ) 01.07.2003