Sultan Melik Türbesi

Where Is Sultan Melik Türbesi?

Sultan Melik Türbesi is located on a rocky hillside along the banks of the Euphrates River in the Kemah district of Erzincan. This position lends the tomb both a majestic and protected atmosphere. The structure dates back to the period of the Mengücek Beylik, one of the earliest Turkish principalities in Anatolia. Today, it is an important destination for history enthusiasts and visitors to Erzincan.

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Who Was Sultan Melik?

Sultan Melik was one of the commanders appointed by Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan during the conquest of Anatolia. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, he captured Kemah, Erzincan, Divriği, and Şarkikarahisar, establishing the Mengücek Beylik in these regions.

The Mengücek Beylik ruled in Anatolia until 1228 and left behind numerous monuments including castles, mosques, and tombs. Sultan Melik is also sometimes referred to in popular tradition as Sultan Melek.

Features of the Tomb

Sultan Melik Türbesi is octagonal in plan and constructed of brick. This architectural form, common in many Anatolian tombs, is notable for its strength and aesthetic appeal. The tomb has two levels:

• Lower Level (Mumyalık): This chamber contains the mummy of Sultan Melik and five additional graves. The mumyalık is supported by stone walls and features an octagonal column that bears the upper level.
• Upper Level (Mescit): A small prayer space used for worship in its time. Here stands the symbolic coffin of Sultan Melik.

The walls of the tomb feature Kufic inscriptions, geometric decorations, and turquoise-colored tiles. The roof is covered by a pyramidal dome.

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Inscriptions and Epigraphs

Above the tomb’s entrance are inscriptions in Arabic and Persian. These texts recount Sultan Melik’s conquests, his justice, and the aid he provided to Muslims. One inscription reads:

“As long as the world endures, it will be illuminated by the Mengücek Sultan.”

Another inscription emphasizes that Sultan Melik was a scholar, just ruler, and protector of Muslims. These texts demonstrate that the tomb is not merely a burial site but also a historical document.

Kemah Castle and the Tomb

Sultan Melik Türbesi is situated near Kemah Castle. The castle was built atop steep cliffs and enjoyed natural defensive advantages for centuries.

The famous traveler Evliya Çelebi described Kemah Castle in his work Seyahatname as “a structure without equal on earth.” Today, when visited together, the tomb and castle offer visitors both a historical and a natural landscape.

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The Significance of the Mengücek Beylik

The Mengücek Beylik was one of the first principalities established in Anatolia after the Battle of Manzikert. During its rule, new cities were founded in eastern Anatolia, trade flourished, and numerous architectural works were constructed. Sultan Melik Türbesi stands as one of the most significant surviving examples of this era.