Susamışlar Mansion is a wooden structure in Sivas's İnönü Neighborhood, dating from the late 18th century, operated as a Mevlevi lodge. Admission is free, and Sema performances are held.
Susamışlar Mansion stands in the İnönü Neighborhood in the city center of Sivas. The pavilion part at the entrance of the mansion and the fountain in front of it were built in 1815 by Benderli Ali Ağa. The other sections of the building are thought to be older, dating back to the late 18th century. Some sources also refer to this place directly as Ali Baba Tekke.
It is a single-story, entirely wooden structure. It consists of seven sections: a room for the elderly and married on the right of the entrance, a room for the youth and bachelors on the left, a semahane (ritual hall) in the middle, a çilehane (retreat cell) next to the semahane, a kitchen, a women's section on the upper floor, and a guest pavilion. The mahfil (gallery) on the northwest side of the semahane was separated as a harem section, divided by wooden latticework. The small spaces on both sides of the mihrab were used as çilehane.
The mansion, restored by Sivas Municipality, is now operated as a Mevlevi lodge by the Sivas Mevlana Sufi Culture and Sema Association, and Sema performances are occasionally held. Visitors state in their comments that the historical texture of the building has been carefully preserved and that it is a peaceful place. They also recommend seeing the Ali Baba Mosque right next to it on the same trip.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Sivas historical places, Divriği Grand Mosque and Hospital.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
The mansion is open every day of the week from 09:00 to 17:00, so you can plan your visit at any time during the day. If you wish to see a Sema performance, follow the current program of Sivas Municipality or the Sivas Mevlana Sufi Culture and Sema Association; performances are not held every day.
How to Get There
Susamışlar Mansion is located on İnönü Mahallesi 10. Sokak, close to Sivas city center. If you are staying in the city center, it is possible to reach it on foot. If you are coming from outside the city, it can be reached quickly by taxi from the bus terminal or train station.
Location within the City
The mansion is in a neighborhood with a rich historical texture in Sivas. The Ali Baba Mosque is right next to it; most visitors tour both places consecutively. Osman Ağa Mansion and typical Sivas houses are also within walking distance in the same area.
Visit Suggestion
Visiting the Ali Baba Mosque first and then moving on to Susamışlar Mansion is a logical sequence. Inside the mansion, after seeing the rooms on the ground floor, the semahane, and the çilehane, you can go up to the pavilion room on the upper floor. Half an hour to 45 minutes is sufficient.
Things to Pay Attention To
Since the structure is entirely wooden, shoes are not allowed inside; you must remove your shoes at the entrance. Food and drinks are not permitted. For group visits, the group size is limited to a maximum of 65 people; informing in advance for crowded groups will facilitate matters.
Photo Spots
The semahane's mahfil with wooden latticework and the 1815 fountain at the entrance are interesting details for photography. The windows of the pavilion room on the upper floor also showcase the exterior facade along with the wooden craftsmanship.
History and Use of the Mansion
The pavilion at the entrance of the building and the fountain in front of it were built in 1815 by Benderli Ali Ağa. However, the other parts of the mansion are thought to be older, dating back to the late 18th century. In some sources, the building is also referred to as Ali Baba Tekke. The building, which was used as a tekke and Mevlevi lodge for a long time, has been preserved to the present day through the restoration by Sivas Municipality and has once again begun to host events related to Sufi culture.
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