Güdük Minare is a tomb located in the Küçüminare neighborhood of Sivas, built in 1347 by Alaaddin Eratna, founder of the Eretnid State, for his son Sheikh Hasan Bey, and its cylindrical body resembles a short, cut-off minaret.
Güdük Minare gets its name from its shape: a cylindrical body rising on a square base and a flattened conical roof, resembling a short, cut-off minaret from a distance. It is actually a tomb, built in 1347 by Alaaddin Eratna, the founder of the Eretnid State, for his son Sheikh Hasan Bey, who died at a young age during his wedding ceremony. It stands in the Küçüminare neighborhood of Sivas, within walking distance of the city center and the historical city square.
Inside the tomb, there is a sarcophagus made of black marble, measuring 0.68x2.12 meters. The edges of this sarcophagus are chamfered in a fish-back shape, and it bears an inscription detailing verses 22-26 of Surah Al-Mutaffifin and information about Sheikh Hasan Bey's identity and date of death (Hijri 748, Gregorian 1347, month of Ramadan). The structure measures 9.80x9.80 meters, has a square plan, and is two-storied: the main burial chamber is in the crypt section, and an upper section serves as a visiting area. In the crypt, entered through small doors on the north, there are other graves besides Sheikh Hasan Bey's. Stone rosettes with floral and geometric motifs above the loophole windows on the east, west, and south directions are noteworthy; it is an interesting detail that such rosettes, typically seen on the exterior of Seljuk period kümbets, are located in the burial section here.
The structure is also known as Dabaz Tekkesi among the public due to a ritual in which children suffering from hives (dabaz) were walked around the tomb. Visitor comments frequently praise its unique architecture, but many also note that the structure is nestled among residential buildings and is not adequately maintained. Most visitors to Sivas who tour the major structures in the city center often skip this tomb, even though it is a structure that can be seen with a short detour and offers insight into the architecture of its period.
Guide's Note
Where Does Güdük Minare Get Its Name?
The original name of the structure is Sheikh Hasan Tomb, but everyone in Sivas knows it as Güdük Minare. The reason is simple: the cylindrical body resting on a square base and the flattened conical roof on top resemble a short, cut-off minaret when viewed from a distance. The neighborhood where the structure is located also took the name Küçüminare (Little Minaret) because of this. Due to the old custom of walking children suffering from hives (locally known as dabaz) three times around the tomb, the place is also known as Dabaz Tekkesi among the public.
When to Visit?
The tomb can be seen from the exterior all year round, so the choice of season does not make a big difference. Since Sivas has long and cold winters, the spring-summer-autumn period is more comfortable for those who want to take a leisurely walk in the city center. If you are taking photos, the afternoon light shows the rosettes and texture on the facade more clearly.
How to Get There?
The tomb is approximately 300 meters from Sivas's historical city square, within walking distance. If you are visiting other historical structures in the city center such as Ulu Mosque, Şifaiye Madrasah, Buruciye Madrasah, you can easily include it in your itinerary. If you are going by car, it is more practical to park near the square and walk, as the streets within the neighborhood are narrow.
How Long Does the Visit Take?
Since the structure is small, 15-20 minutes is sufficient to examine it from the outside. It is most logical to add it as a short break within a one-day itinerary visiting Sivas's other historical center (Ulu Mosque, madrasahs, Congress Museum).
Tips for Photography
The corners where the cylindrical body meets the square base and the stone rosettes above the loophole windows on the east, west, and south sides are the most unique details of the structure. These rosettes are adorned with floral and geometric motifs; it is a particularly interesting point that this type of ornamentation, typically seen on the exterior of Seljuk kümbets, appears in the burial section here. Those who want to take wide-angle shots may need to find some distance in the narrow streets of the neighborhood.
Things to Note
A point frequently mentioned in visitor comments is that the structure is nestled among residential buildings and lacks a prominent information board. Therefore, reading its history beforehand ensures a more meaningful visit on-site. Some visitors complain about a lack of maintenance, so it would be realistic to set your expectations not for a restored, tourist-friendly structure, but for an authentic and somewhat neglected historical artifact.
Suggested Route
It is logical to plan Güdük Minare as the last stop on a Sivas city center tour. Starting from Ulu Mosque and Şifaiye Madrasah, and after seeing the Çifte Minareli Madrasah and Gök Madrasah, you can walk 300 meters from the historical square to Güdük Minare. You will have seen a short but different architectural example.
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