The Sheikh Çoban Tomb is a 14th-century tomb made of cut stone in Sivas Kaleardı Neighborhood; it is a religious structure from the Ottoman period that has survived to the present day, with its octagonal dome and three inscriptions.
The Sheikh Çoban Tomb stands in the Kaleardı Neighborhood, in the city center of Sivas. The exact construction date of the building is unknown. However, the inscription on the fountain belonging to the complex mentions the year 1323; some researchers believe that the tomb also dates back to the same period, the Ilkhanate years. The dome of the square-planned tomb, made of cut stone, rises on an octagonal drum. Inside, there is a burial chamber and a separate visiting area; the burial chamber is accessed through the visiting area.
The identity of the person buried here is not entirely clear. The tomb is referred to as Sheikh Hüseyin Rai or Sheikh Çoban Veli; some hagiographies state that he was a sheikh affiliated with Necmeddin Kübra, but this information is not confirmed. Inside, there are two wooden sarcophagi inscribed with "Sheikh Taceddin-i Arifi." The three inscriptions of the building also record repair dates: these include repairs made in 1370 during the Eretna Beylik period, in 1458 during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, and in 1900-1901 during the time of Abdülhamid II. During the Ottoman period, a foundation was established for the tomb; tax revenues from villages in and around Sivas, and crop yields were donated here, and the expenses of the dervish lodge officials and lodging travelers were covered by this foundation.
The tomb is surrounded by a 1.20-meter stone wall and an 80-centimeter wrought iron railing on top. As a structure that gave its name to the neighborhood, it holds an important place in the urban history of Sivas. However, its current state of maintenance is sometimes a subject of criticism.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Sivas historical places, Hafik Lake.
Guide's Note
History of the Tomb and Who is Buried There
The exact construction year of the tomb is unknown. Since the inscription on the fountain belonging to the complex mentions the year 1323, it is thought that the tomb may also belong to this period, the Ilkhanate years. The person buried here is known as Sheikh Hüseyin Rai or Sheikh Çoban Veli; according to some hagiographies, he was a sheikh affiliated with Necmeddin Kübra, but this information is not definitive. Inside, there are two wooden sarcophagi inscribed with "Sheikh Taceddin-i Arifi." This detail further increases the uncertainty regarding the identity of the tomb.
Architectural Details
The tomb is a square-planned structure made of cut stone. The dome rests on an octagonal drum; this gives it a striking silhouette when viewed from the outside. Inside, there is a burial chamber and a separate visiting area; visitors reach the burial chamber by passing through the visiting section. It is surrounded by a 1.20-meter high stone wall, topped with an 80-centimeter wrought iron railing.
Traces of Repair in the Inscriptions
Three inscriptions of the tomb have survived to the present day. The first mentions a repair made in 1370 during the Eretna Beylik period. The second records repairs made in 1458 during the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmed by Yusuf bin Abdullah, the freed slave of Pir Ahmed Bey. The third describes the renovation carried out in 1900-1901 during the reign of Abdülhamid II, initiated by the tomb's trustees. These three records show that the structure was continuously maintained from the Eretna Beylik to the late Ottoman period and changed considerably from its original state over time.
Foundation History
During the Ottoman period, the Sheikh Çoban Veli Foundation was established, and significant revenues were donated to the tomb. Tax revenues from villages belonging to the Beypınarı, Emirhan, and Tozanlı districts, as well as crop revenues from 52 fields in Sivas, were transferred to this foundation. The salaries of the dervish lodge officials, and the food and drink expenses of the dervishes and lodging travelers were also covered by this foundation's budget. This detail shows that the tomb functioned not only as a burial structure but also as a lodging and mutual aid center.
Transportation
The Sheikh Çoban Tomb is located in the Kaleardı Neighborhood, close to Sivas city center. It can be reached by walking from the city center or by a short taxi ride. It is a practical option to add it to your itinerary when visiting other historical structures in Sivas (excluding more distant points like Ulu Mosque, Divriği Great Mosque, but including city-center tombs and mosques).
Note Before Visiting
The maintenance status of the tomb is sometimes a subject of criticism in the local press and social media; some visitors express that the structure does not receive the attention it deserves. It is advisable to confirm the current status and whether it is open from local sources before visiting.
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