The Tomb of Ebu'l-İz El Cezerî is a simple structure located within the Noah Mosque Complex in Cizre, housing the grave of the 12th-century engineer. Entry is free.
El Cezerî was an engineer who lived in the 12th century and drew designs for water clocks, automatons, fountains, and mechanical devices in his work Kitab-ı Hiyel. Among the 50 devices described in his book are water clocks, candle clocks, automatons for ablution, bloodletting boats, and an angle measurer. The mark he left on mechanical science in the medieval Islamic world is still mentioned today in physics and engineering history books.
His tomb is located within the Noah Mosque Complex in Cizre. The tomb is not an ostentatious structure; it greets visitors with simple stone walls and a modest sarcophagus. Most people stop here while visiting the other structures of the complex, the Hz. Noah Mosque, and the surrounding historical fabric. It is a point mentioned along with the Red Madrasa, Mem u Zin Tomb, and Sheikh Ahmet El-Cezerî Tomb on Cizre's faith tourism route.
Before visiting the tomb, reading a paragraph or two about the scientist who gave his name to the city elevates the experience. It ceases to be a dry grave visit and turns into tracing the footsteps of someone who designed water-powered machines in the Middle Ages.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Şırnak, Historical Places, Historical places in Şırnak, Ensari House.
Guide's Note
Who is El Cezerî?
Ebu'l-İz İbnü'r-Rezzaz el-Cezerî was an engineer and scientist born in 1153. He left behind a resource titled Kitab-ı Hiyel (Book of Knowledge of Mechanical Devices), which describes and illustrates 50 different devices. These devices include water clocks, candle clocks, boat water clocks, fountains, automatons for ablution, and bloodletting boats. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of cybernetics.
When to visit
Cizre gets quite hot in the summer, so spring or autumn months are more comfortable for a visit. The tomb is open every day, so there are no seasonal restrictions. For those wishing to avoid the heat, the period from March to May or September to November can be preferred.
How to get there
The tomb is located within the Noah Mosque Complex in the Cizre district center. It is easily accessible by public transport within the city. From Şırnak city center, Cizre can be reached by private car or regular minibuses; the journey takes approximately half an hour.
What else to see in Cizre
The tomb is not a place to visit alone; when explored together with the surrounding Hz. Noah Mosque, Red Madrasa, Mem u Zin Tomb, and Sheikh Ahmet El-Cezerî Tomb, Cizre's faith and culture route is completed. The İsmail Ebul-iz El Cezerî Museum, located in the old municipality building, is also open to visitors with exhibitions showcasing the city's scientific heritage.
How much time to allocate
The tomb itself can be visited in 15-20 minutes. However, if a half-day is planned to include Cizre's other historical structures, it is possible to comfortably complete the city's faith tourism route.
Things to consider
Since the tomb is located within a mosque complex, it is recommended to visit with the sensitivity appropriate for a religious site. Modest clothing and quiet behavior are appropriate. It is advisable to consult local officials regarding photography.
Notes for photography
The tomb is a small and simple structure; it is not a major photo spot. However, the stone craftsmanship and courtyard of the Noah Mosque Complex offer details worth seeing during the visit.
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