Mama Hatun Külliyesi

The Mama Hatun Türbesi, located in the Tercan district of Erzincan, was built in memory of Mama Hatun, the princess of the Saltuklu dynasty who died in 1192. Mama Hatun was the daughter of II. Izzeddin Saltuk, who assumed control of the Saltuklu Beylik in 1191.

History

The Mama Hatun Külliyesi is situated in the Tercan district of Erzincan and is one of the architectural complexes from the Seljuk period. The külliye includes structures serving various functions such as a tomb, caravanserai, bathhouse, and mosque. It was commissioned by Mama Hatun, daughter of II. Izzeddin Saltuk who took power in 1191, in the town of Tercan (formerly known as Mamahatun), due to its strategic location along the caravan route connecting Erzurum and Erzincan. This külliye reflects the architectural characteristics of its time and sheds light on the political and social history of the region.

Mama Hatun Külliyesi - Erzincan -AA

Architectural Features

The Mama Hatun Kümbet exhibits a unique plan and architectural style in Anatolia, featuring a faceted body crowned with a conical dome and surrounded by a circular wall. The architect, as recorded in the inscription, is Ahlatlı Ebü’n-Nemâ b. Mufaddal. The structure composed of the tomb and its surrounding wall is among the significant examples of monumental tomb architecture. Another key component of the külliye, the caravanserai, was constructed in the early 13th century and, measuring 51 by 51 meters, is the largest among the square-plan caravanserais. Built entirely of cut stone, the structure is reinforced with cylindrical towers at its corners and buttresses on its facades. The crowned portal on the eastern facade draws attention with its architectural ornamentation. Inside, rooms, eyvans, and stables surround a large courtyard. The bathhouse consists of several sections covered by vaults and domes, with a rectangular plan.

Restoration Process

Restoration work carried out by the General Directorate of Foundations began in 2018 due to erosion and deformation of the stonework. As part of this effort, reinforcement measures were implemented on the tomb, caravanserai, bathhouse, and mosque. Stones that had eroded or deformed over time were removed and replaced with new ones, ensuring the restoration preserved the original architectural features of the structure.

Aerial view of Mama Hatun Türbesi -Tercan Subdistrict Governorship