Cimcime Hatun Kümbeti

Cimcime Hatun Kümbeti is located in the city center of Erzurum, along Cumhuriyet Caddesi, near Ulu Camii. The structure is situated within the walls of the city of Erzurum.

Dating

There are differing views regarding the construction date of the kümbet. According to its inscription, the structure was built in 1304 (Hijri 704). It is generally dated to the late 13th century or early 14th century.

Cimcime Hatun Kümbeti (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Owner and Nomenclature

The tomb is commonly known among the public as “Cimcime Hatun” or “Cimcime Sultan.” Osman Turan argues that the structure belonged to Cemcem, one of the conquerors from the era of Tuğrul Bey.

Abdurrahim Şerif Beygu, however, suggests that the kümbet may have belonged to one of the lesser-known emirs of Erzurum. The inscription on the monument identifies its owner as “Melike, daughter of Ahmed Kan, Çengâl Hatun.” However, due to damage to the stone, the name may be read in various forms (Cencâl, Cengâl, Çiçek, Haccâl, Hıncâl, etc.).

The inscription above the entrance door of the kümbet reads:

“May God forgive the owner of this dome (tomb), Melike, daughter of Ahmed Kan, Çengâl Hatun. May God make her station cool (protect her from the heat of Hell). She died in the month of Safar, year 704.”

Cimcime Hatun Kümbeti (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Architectural Features

Plan: The structure is single-storey with a cylindrical base and body.

Roofing System: Internally covered by a dome, externally by a conical roof.

Material: Regularly cut stone is used both inside and outside; rubble fill is employed within the walls.

Windows and Entrances

An entrance door is located on the north side. Windows are situated on the east, west, and south sides; today, all except the eastern window have been sealed. The southern window also functions as a mihrab. This section is framed within a rectangular outline, the semi-circular niche is covered by three rows of muqarnas, and its corners are softened by small pilasters. The body rises above the cylindrical base and is articulated by twelve round arches. The arches are flattened and terminate beneath the conical roof. The structure is simple in design; the only decorative element is a meander (geometric) band located beneath the conical roof.

Interior Space

The interior space is covered by a dome. The windows on the east and west are small, while the southern window is larger. The window arrangement exhibits an asymmetrical character.

Graves

Some of the tombstones within the kümbet have not survived to the present day. Based on available records, one grave is known to have belonged to a woman.