Esentimur Tomb is an octagonal star-plan pyramidal-coned kümbett structure located on Gaziosmanpaşa Boulevard in Tokat city center, built for the Mongol emir Nureddin Ibn-i Esentimur, who died in 1314.
Esentimur Tomb is a small but peculiar structure located within walking distance of Gaziosmanpaşa Boulevard in the center of Tokat. An octagonal star-plan cone, built with bricks, sits atop a square body made of cut stone. Because of this pointed roof, it has been known as Sivri Tekke (Pointed Dervish Lodge) in the city for years.
Above the window on the east facade, there is a two-line Arabic inscription. According to the inscription, the tomb was built in the name of Emir Nureddin Ibn-i Esentimur, who passed away in March 1314. Esentimur was originally a Mongol emir; he took the name Nureddin after converting to Islam. This structure was built by masters who came to Anatolia during the Ilkhanid period. It underwent a restoration in 1935 and remains in its current state since then.
It is not a grand monument, and a visit takes only a few minutes. However, as a tangible trace of Tokat's Seljuk-Ilkhanid period architecture, it is a stop that can easily be added to the itinerary when visiting other tombs and hans in the city center.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Tokat historical places, Topçam Plateau.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since the tomb is a small structure, the season is not very critical. However, morning hours are recommended to get a good view of the inscription and stone masonry on the east facade. In summer, Tokat city center can be quite hot in the afternoon; therefore, it is logical to plan this part of the trip for the morning.
How to Get There
The tomb is on Gaziosmanpaşa Boulevard and 2 minutes away from the boulevard. You reach the structure by turning left from the boulevard. If you have a car in Tokat city center, parking nearby and walking is the most practical method. Public transportation in the city center also stops near the boulevard line.
Location in the City
Esentimur Tomb is located close to the historical center of Tokat. It can be considered in the same area as other historical structures such as Sulusokak Bazaar, Yağıbasan Madrasa, Arastalı Bedesten, and Deveciler Han. Therefore, it is easily added to the itinerary when taking a city center tour.
How Much Time to Allocate
The tomb itself is small enough to be visited in 5-10 minutes. Instead of creating a separate travel program, it is more appropriate to consider it as part of a Tokat city center tour. It can easily be fitted into a one-day city trip.
Suggested Route
A route can be established starting from Sulusokak Bazaar in the morning, proceeding to Yağıbasan Madrasa, and then walking to Esentimur Tomb via Gaziosmanpaşa Boulevard. Other historical structures such as Deveciler Han and Arastalı Bedesten can be added for the afternoon to complete the city center tour.
Good Spots for Photography
The inscribed window on the east facade and the octagonal star-plan pyramidal cone above it are the most striking details of the structure. Morning light illuminates this facade more clearly. To capture the line transitioning from the square body to the cone, it is beneficial to take photos from a little further back.
Things to Pay Attention to During Your Visit
The tomb is a historical monument. It is important to avoid behaviors that could damage its surroundings and to keep the area around the structure clean. The maintenance status can vary from time to time, so interior visits may not always be possible. In such cases, observing from the outside is sufficient.
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