# Self-Taught Linguist Mehmet Kusman Keeps Ancient Urartian Language Alive

*Mehmet Kusman, an 86-year-old self-taught linguist, has dedicated his life to preserving the ancient language of the Urartu kingdom.*

August 10, 2026 · World

Mehmet Kusman, an 86-year-old self-taught linguist, has dedicated his life to preserving the ancient language of the Urartu kingdom. Despite a lack of formal education, Kusman has spent decades learning and teaching the language, which was once spoken in the region now known as eastern Turkey, Iran, and Armenia.

## Who is Mehmet Kusman and what is his connection to the Urartian language?

Mehmet Kusman is an 86-year-old Turkish man who, despite having little formal education, has dedicated his life to learning and teaching the ancient Urartian language. He began his journey after being hired as a labourer on the Cavustepe excavations in the 1960s, where he first encountered ancient inscriptions. His passion for the language has made him a local celebrity, and he has given lectures in various countries.

## How did Mehmet Kusman learn the Urartian language?

Kusman began by copying inscriptions found during excavations. In three years, he mastered the alphabet, and it took him 22 years to learn 650 words of vocabulary. Despite the challenges, his relentless dedication allowed him to become one of the few people claiming to speak Urartian.

## What is the significance of the Urartian language and kingdom?

The Urartian kingdom, which existed between the 9th and 7th centuries BC, was one of the most powerful states of the ancient Near East. It united tribal mountain communities under a centralized state, building cities, fortresses, and irrigation networks. The language, however, was primarily written and not spoken, making Kusman's claims to speak it somewhat controversial.

## What do experts say about Mehmet Kusman's claims?

While academics praise Kusman's enthusiasm and devotion, they are cautious about his claims to speak Urartian. Erkan Konyar, a professor of ancient history, notes that historians do not know how the language was pronounced, and only the meaning of certain words is known with certainty. Mehmet Isikli, director of the Department of Near Eastern Archaeology, emphasizes that Urartian was a written language and not spoken in everyday life.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/self-taught-turkish-linguist-keeps-dead-language-alive