Terzibaba Cemetery

Terzibaba Cemetery is a historical cemetery located in the center of Erzincan and is the largest burial ground in the city. The site, formerly known as Kaledibi, began to be referred to by its current name after the Sufi mystic Terzibaba (Muhammed Vehbi), who died in 1848, was buried there.^【1】

History and Burial Data

The cemetery has a usage history extending from the 18th century to the present. Academic studies have identified ornate tombstones dated between 1791 and 1961 within the burial ground.^【2】

Number of Burials: According to current records, approximately 30,000 registered burials are documented in the cemetery. However, data losses occurred due to the collapse of archive buildings during the earthquakes of 1939 and 1992; as a result, the total number of burials is estimated to be around 200,000.^【3】

Notable Figures: The cemetery contains the graves of numerous individuals regarded as “evliya.” While 13 to 15 names are officially recorded or housed in mausoleums, it is stated that the number exceeds 60. In addition to Terzibaba, the graves of Piri Sami Hazretleri, Beşir Efendi, Dede Paşa and Abdurrahim Reyhan are also located here.^【4】

Architectural Features

The most significant structure within the cemetery is the Terzibaba Türbesi. Its architectural features include:

Plan and Structure: It has an octagonal plan with a simple, unadorned interior space. An entrance porch with two columns and a lead-covered roof extends from the front.

Restoration: The structure, damaged by a fire, was rebuilt in concrete between the 1980s..

Tombstones: The tombstones in the cemetery are made of marble or local cut stone. They feature ornamental motifs such as acanthus leaves, roses, crescent and star, and the Seal of Solomon, representing botanical, geometric and symbolic designs.

Ornamented Tombstones (dogugazetesi)

Infrastructure and Modern Services

The cemetery is managed by the Erzincan Municipality and the Terzibaba Association.

Cemetery Information System (CIS): A system with kiosk terminals and online query capabilities has been established to help citizens easily locate graves.

Cemetery Information System (CIS), (Erzincan Municipality)

Family Burial Plots: The cemetery includes family burial plots designed for 2, 4 and 6 individuals.

Family Burial Plots (Erzincan Municipality)

Accessibility and Landscape Planning: Accessible on foot or by public transport from the city center, the cemetery features paved pathways, lighting, and battery-powered wheelchair services for people with disabilities.