Mama Hatun Türbesi

Erzincan’s Tercan district is home to a truly unique structure that has endured from the distant past to the present day. This structure is called Mama Hatun Türbesi. It was built approximately 800 years ago for Mama Hatun, a powerful woman who led the Saltuklu Beylik.

Why Is It So Special?

Mama Hatun Türbesi bears no resemblance to any other similar structures in Türkiye. Typically, buildings are square or rectangular, are they not? But this tomb is circular. With this feature, it is a one-of-a-kind structure in Anatolia. Its architect was Ahlatlı Ebü’n-Nema bin Mufaddal. The architect constructed this monument from a beautiful stone with a yellowish hue.

What Is Inside the Tomb?

This monumental structure consists of two main parts:

• Perimeter Wall: A massive wall surrounds the tomb. Inside this wall, there are exactly 13 niches. Niches are small recesses carved into the wall that resemble small rooms or alcoves.

• Kümbet: Rising from the center of the wall is a section with a dome-shaped roof resembling a hat. The term kümbet refers to monumental tombs built for distinguished individuals.

Art on the Stones

As you approach the tomb’s entrance, you can see exquisite patterns carved into the stones. The architects carved designs of grape clusters, stars, flowers, and knots into the stone as if drawing on paper. How long do you think it took to carve such delicate details into the stone?

(Generated by Artificial Intelligence.)

A Large Külliye This site is not merely a tomb but also a külliye. A külliye is a large complex containing multiple buildings such as a mosque, a bathhouse, and a caravanserai.

Immediately beside the tomb is a caravanserai. Caravanserais were large, secure inns where travelers and their animals could rest on long journeys. There is also a mosque for worship and a bathhouse for personal hygiene.