Mem u Zin Tomb
The Mem u Zin Tomb, located within the historical fabric of Cizre, is not merely a tomb; it is also a symbol of one of the most famous love stories in Turkish literature. This tomb lies beneath the Abdaliye Medresesi in the Dağkapı Neighborhood, to the south of Cizre.
Inside the tomb are three graves: those of Mem, Zin, and Bekir. The story of these three figures has been disseminated worldwide through the Mem u Zin Dastan, one of the most important works of Kurdish literature. According to the tale, Mem and Zin deeply love each other but are never able to unite. Bekir is the one who prevents their union. For this reason, all three lie side by side in the tomb.
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Features of the Tomb
Access to the tomb is gained by descending nine steps from the courtyard of the Abdaliye Medresesi. The tomb has a rectangular plan oriented east-west and is covered by a pointed barrel vault known as a sivri beşik tonoz. Interior lighting enters through a small window on the northern wall.
The medrese was commissioned in 1437 by Emir Abdal. To the present day, the mosque, the tomb, and some sections of the medrese have survived. On the walls of the tomb and on the gravestones, inscriptions attract the attention of visitors. One of these reads: “He died in 854 AH (1450–1451); may God have mercy on him and all Muslims.”
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The Story of Mem u Zin
Mem u Zin is widely regarded in popular tradition as a symbol of divine love. The story unfolds during the reign of Cizre’s ruler Emir Zeynuddin. Mem and Zin are deeply in love, yet various obstacles prevent them from uniting. A man named Bekir obstructs their romance. This tragic event has been recounted for centuries among the people and eventually transformed into a literary masterpiece. Today, visitors to the tomb bear witness to history and trace the legacy of this renowned love story.
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