Armenian Massacre of Turks Documented.

Explaining that there was no need to retrieve other pieces of skeleton, Kulaz stated that incisory and piercing instruments such as axes, pitchforks and knives were removed from the human skeletons. "We determined that the corpses of the Turks massacred by the Armenians were piled up here one on top of another. We also ascertained that in addition to men, women and children were also massacred. We found pieces of clothing and ornaments used by women during the excavation."

Kulaz pointed out that samples were taken from pieces of skulls and skeletons and that the rest of the skeletal remains had been reburied in the mass grave, which will be designated a site of martyrdom. He added that the remains that had been removed would be put under the care of the Kars Museum.

Kulaz stated that a team of six people on the first day and four on the second had carried out the excavation, which took two full days. Villagers from Gedikli aided them in their efforts.

Kars Museum Director Necmettin Alp, who participated in the excavation, said that pieces of clothing, jewelry and other items were to be sent to the Institute of Turkish History.

Head public official of Tuzlu district Orhan Ciftci announced that plans were under way to erect a statue in the vicinity of the mass grave.

Residents of Gedikli Village sadly watched the exhumation of the skeletons of their grandfathers and grandmothers and condemned the "Armenian savagery."

Emin Oztop / Igdir / TURKEY