Burga Hatun Tomb is a 14th-century hexagonal domed tomb located in the southeast courtyard of Ali Pasha Mosque in Tokat city center. Its owner is unknown due to the lack of an inscription. Admission is free.
Burga Hatun Tomb stands in the courtyard of Ali Pasha Mosque, in Yaşmeydan Neighborhood of Tokat. The structure has a hexagonal plan and is covered with a dome. Pendentives are used in the transition from the hexagonal body to the dome. The material is a mixture of brick and rough hewn stone. It is considered one of the early examples of Turkish-Islamic tomb architecture in Anatolia, dating back to the 14th century.
Whose tomb it is remains a complete mystery. Due to the absence of an inscription, the identity of the person buried inside is not definitively known. This is why it is known by three different names among the public: Burga Hatun, Bibi Hatun, and Dudu Hatun. Some researchers emphasize that it is one of the pioneering examples of the hexagonal plan type. In other words, it is a reference structure not only for Tokat but also for the region in terms of architecture.
When visiting Ali Pasha Mosque, it is enough to take a few steps southeast from the courtyard. Thanks to its proximity to the Tokat Governorship, it can be visited on the same route as other historical structures in the city center.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Tokat historical places, Komana Ancient City.
Guide's Note
What is Burga Hatun Tomb?
The tomb has a hexagonal plan and was built with a mixture of brick and rough hewn stone. The use of pendentives in the transition from the hexagonal body to the dome makes the structure one of the prominent examples of 14th-century Anatolian tomb architecture. Some researchers consider this plan to be one of the pioneers of the hexagonal tomb type.
When to Visit?
Since the tomb is in an open area, within the mosque courtyard, it can be visited regardless of the season. However, for those who want to avoid the heat of the midday hours in summer, spring and autumn are more comfortable options. The most practical way is to visit the tomb at the same time you visit Ali Pasha Mosque.
How to Get There?
It is located in the city center, close to Tokat Governorship. It is possible to reach it on foot by following the direction of the Governorship. Since it is in the same area as other historical structures in the city center, such as Ali Pasha Mosque and Garipler Mosque, it can be included in a single walking route.
How Long Does the Visit Take?
Since it is a small-scale structure, 10-15 minutes is sufficient. When visited together with Ali Pasha Mosque, the total visit duration can extend to 30-40 minutes.
Photography Tip
The pendentive transition between the hexagonal body and the dome is more clearly visible when photographed from the southeast corner of the courtyard. The simplicity of the mosque courtyard creates a background that highlights the tomb.
Things to Note
The owner of the tomb is not definitively known. Due to the lack of an inscription, you may encounter it under different names in various sources, such as Burga Hatun, Bibi Hatun, and Dudu Hatun. Consider this name confusion normal, as they all refer to the same structure.
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