Abdulmuttalip Zaviyesi

Abdulmuttalip Zaviyesi is a religious structure located in the city center of Tokat, in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region, dated to the early 14th century. The founder of the zaviye is identified as Abdullah bin Muhyi. According to inscriptions on the entrance portal on the northern façade and within the tomb section, the zaviye was constructed in 1317 (Hijri 717). It is known that Abdullah bin Muhyi, recognized as the patron of the structure, died in 1318 and was buried in the adjacent tomb section.

Abdulmuttalip Zaviyesi presents a multifunctional architectural example that unites the functions of tomb, zaviye, and mescit within a single structure. This zaviye, part of the group of historical religious buildings in Tokat, attracts attention for both its architectural integrity and its early documented construction date. Additionally, the structure is officially registered within the cultural heritage inventory and, together with its mescit section used for worship, served both individual and communal religious life as a multifunctional building.

Architectural Features

The structure was built as a single-story building with a rectangular plan. Stone masonry was used in its construction, and its roof is covered with a wooden pitched roof. The façades feature regularly cut stone, and the entrance section includes a round arch. Within the adjacent tomb section, a single sarcophagus is present. It is noted that decorative elements throughout the building are limited.

Abdulmuttalip Zaviyesi (Culture Portal)

Structural Components

The zaviye consists of three units: tomb, zaviye, and mescit. The tomb section is defined as a distinct part within the building’s structure and is notable for containing the sarcophagus. The mescit section serves as the place of worship. The structure as a whole presents a multifunctional architectural unity.

Urban and Cultural Context

The structure is situated within the cluster of historical-religious buildings in the city center of Tokat. It is included among the city’s groups of mosques, mescits, tombs, and zaviyes. The zaviye is recorded within the city’s cultural and historical building inventory.

The Role of Zaviyes in the Ottoman Period

During the Ottoman period, zaviyes were not only places of religious worship but also functioned as institutions providing social assistance, hospitality, and education. In Tokat, such structures played a significant role in the urban fabric, with neighborhood formations developing around these religious centers.

Documentation Status of Abdulmuttalip Zaviyesi

No original historical documents regarding the exact construction date, founder, affiliated Sufi order, or operational history of the structure are available in publicly accessible sources. Additionally, no waqfiyya (endowment deed) related to the building has been located. The structure is currently known solely through architectural descriptions and cultural inventory records.

Protection and Documentation

The zaviye is referenced in publications by various public institutions and is listed among Tokat’s cultural heritage sites. It is noted that the building has been documented within the cultural inventory, with its architectural features and current physical condition recorded. Furthermore, it has been included in the group of protected religious structures, evaluated alongside other zaviyes and tombs in the city.