Kanlı Kümbet
Kanlı Kümbet is a historical monument tomb located in the Battalgazi district of Malatya. Situated within an old cemetery in the Meydanbaşı Neighborhood, the structure dates back to the Seljuk period. Although commonly known among the public as a “cellathane,” it is in fact a türbe featuring a special underground section called a crypt, where bodies were interred.
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What Is Its Structure?
Kanlı Kümbet is built on a square plan and consists of two parts:
- Lower level (Crypt): The section where the body was placed, constructed with stone masonry.
- Upper level (Visitation area): The area where the public once ascended to pray. This section primarily uses brick and is covered by a slightly pointed dome.
Beneath the dome are legs arranged in an “L” shape, connected by pointed arches. The alternating use of stone and brick in the walls gives the structure an aesthetic appearance.
Why Is It Called “Kanlı” (Bloody)?
Although its original purpose was as a tomb, it is rumored that during the Ottoman period, criminals were executed here. For this reason, the structure became known among the public as Kanlı Kümbet.
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Current Condition
The inscription on Kanlı Kümbet has been worn away over time, so its exact owner remains unknown. It is believed to have been constructed in the 12th or 13th century. The structure was restored and its surroundings landscaped in 2005 by the General Directorate of Foundations.
