The Tomb of Sultan Melik is one of the important historical structures belonging to the Mengücek Beylik period, located in the Kemah district of Erzincan. The Mengüceks, who ruled the region in the 12th century, built the first examples of Turkish-Islamic architecture in Anatolia. The tomb, believed to belong to Melik Gazi, the son of Fahreddin Behramşah, the Mengücek ruler known as Sultan Melik, also holds strategic importance due to its location near Kemah Castle.
Restoration and Conservation Work
The Sultan Melik Tomb is a historical structure located within the borders of Erzincan province and has undergone various restoration works over time. The restoration process of this tomb was carried out with the aim of both preserving the physical integrity of the structure and keeping the cultural heritage alive. While the tomb initially bore traces of the Ottoman period and earlier, it has deteriorated over time due to both natural factors and human influence, necessitating restoration.
Historical Process and Initial Restorations
The original structure of the tomb is a building that bears the characteristics of Seljuk architecture and continued to exist until the early years of the Ottoman Empire. The Tomb of Sultan Melik underwent some local repairs in the 19th century. However, major restoration work began in the second half of the 20th century. The restorations carried out during this period ensured that the structure was made functional again while preserving its historical value. The relevant restorations used modern techniques that enhanced the architectural elements, stonework, and structural durability.
Current Restoration Work
The tomb's recent restoration work was carried out with the aim of both preserving cultural heritage and opening the tomb to visitors. During the restoration work, traditional stonework and architectural elements from the Seljuk period were carefully examined and preserved. Stone erosion that occurred over time was carefully repaired during the restoration process, and the structural integrity of the tomb was strengthened. In addition, landscaping was carried out around the tomb, and additional arrangements were made to protect the surrounding areas. Today, thanks to improvements made around the tomb without disrupting the traditional structure, accessibility for visitors has been ensured.
Restoration Methods
The techniques used in the restoration process were carried out in accordance with the original architecture of the tomb. In this context, special methods were applied to renew the stones and preserve the traces of the old structure. The stones used in the walls of the tomb have been made resistant to deterioration over time. In addition, the decorative elements in the interior of the tomb have been carefully preserved from both a historical and artistic perspective, thus emphasizing its architectural and artistic values.
Architectural Features
The Sultan Melik Tomb has a traditional Seljuk tomb architecture with an octagonal body and a conical dome. It's made of cut stone and has simple decorations. The entrance of the tomb has a flat arch, and there's a sarcophagus inside.
Sultan Melik Tomb (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Location and Visitation Culture
The tomb in the district of Kemah, located approximately 50 kilometers from the city center of Erzincan, is situated on the southern slopes of Kemah Castle. The castle and tomb are part of a historical complex. The Tomb of Sultan Melik is visited by the local people for both historical and spiritual reasons and is particularly popular on religious holidays. There are also various graves around the tomb. This area is kept alive as both a place of visitation and a historical memory space.
Visitor Profile and Belief Practices
The Sultan Melik Tomb is a structure of great historical and religious importance located in the Kemah district of Erzincan. This tomb is frequently visited by local visitors from villages, towns, and even various parts of Erzincan. Visitors usually come to pray, make wishes, and seek healing, believing in the spiritual power of the tomb. The Sultan Melik Tomb has been a place of refuge for people facing difficulties such as illness, work, or family problems.
The most common ritual performed by visitors to the tomb is to pray around it. In addition, the tradition of offering sacrifices is also widespread among the people. Visitors offer various sacrifices, believing that their wishes will be granted in the presence of Sultan Melik. These sacrifices include fruit, animals, or other items with religious and cultural significance.
The Sultan Melik Tomb is not only a center for religious rituals, but also a cultural meeting point. The tomb preserves the historical and religious consciousness of the people by blending in with the social fabric of the Kemah district and the surrounding settlements. These spiritual activities that visitors participate in by coming to the tomb are important elements that strengthen the historical and cultural ties of the people.
The Sultan Melik Tomb, as one of the rare structures indicating the presence of the Mengücekli Beyliği in Erzincan, holds an important place both in Turkish architectural history and in the Islamic cultural heritage of Anatolia.
