Kardeşler Village Rock Tomb is an ancient tomb chamber carved into a rock mass in Ulubey district of Ordu, featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling within a structure entered through a 53x54 cm opening in a rectangular niche; it can be visited for free.
Kardeşler Village Rock Tomb is located in the İnönü area, opposite Evliya Harmanı in Küçük Çukur Neighborhood, south of Kardeşler Village, Ulubey district. Carved into the upper part of a rock mass, the tomb chamber is accessed through a narrow 53x54 cm opening from a front facade set within a rectangular niche.
Inside, there is a burial pit measuring 30 cm wide, 10 cm deep, and 132 cm long. The ceiling is oval-shaped, crafted in the form of a barrel vault. The structure has survived to the present day in a remarkably well-preserved condition. The presence of similar rock tombs in the region indicates that the area around Ulubey was used as a burial ground in ancient times. The nearby Kıranyağmur and Delikkaya rock tombs can be visited together in this regard.
Since the tomb is located slightly off the main road, within village land, it is helpful to ask villagers for directions before visiting. There are no signs or barriers around it; the entrance to the tomb chamber is reached by climbing onto the rock mass.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Ordu, Historical Places, Historical places in Ordu, İteniçi Recreation Area.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
The tomb is in an open area, on top of a rock mass. There are no specific visiting hours; it can be visited any day of the year. In summer, morning hours are more comfortable to avoid the midday heat. In winter, village roads might be muddy, so spring or autumn might be preferred.
How to Get There
Ordu city center to Ulubey district is 22 km via an asphalt road. After Ulubey, you proceed to Kardeşler Village; the tomb, carved into the upper part of a rock mass, is located in the İnönü area, opposite Evliya Harmanı in Küçük Çukur Neighborhood, in the southern part of the village. Going by your own vehicle is the most practical way, as public transport services within the village are not frequent.
How Much Time to Allocate
Visiting the tomb itself takes 20-30 minutes. Since there are other rock tombs in the region, such as Kıranyağmur and Delikkaya, it is more efficient to dedicate half a day around Ulubey and see several of them consecutively.
Suggested Route
When going to Ulubey district, you can combine Kardeşler Village Rock Tomb with Kıranyağmur Rock Tomb and Delikkaya Rock Tomb in Altınordu for a one-day rock tomb tour. Küpkaya-Kardeşler Canyon is also nearby in the region; it's possible to fit a nature walk and a historical visit into the same day.
Things to Consider
Reaching the tomb requires climbing onto the rock mass; sturdy shoes are essential. There are no protective barriers or staff around the structure, so caution should be exercised. The entrance to the tomb chamber is narrow (53x54 cm), making it a tight space for those wishing to enter.
Photo Spots
It is possible to capture the village view from atop the rock mass. The front facade of the tomb chamber, set within a rectangular niche, and its narrow entrance opening are the most striking details showcasing the craftsmanship of the structure.
General Information
Kardeşler Village Rock Tomb is an example of a monumental tomb dating back to ancient times. The tomb chamber, accessed through a 53x54 cm opening from the front facade within a rectangular niche, contains a burial pit 132 cm long. It is remarkably well-preserved with its oval barrel-vaulted ceiling, reflecting the ancient burial tradition of the region along with other rock tombs in and around Ulubey.
FAQ
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