The Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler) Situated in the center of Erzurum, approximately 300 meters south of Çifte Minare Medrese, the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler) complex remains active today, with only one of the three structures confirmed as the tomb of Emir Saltuk. Originally a cemetery, the surrounding grounds of the mausoleums have now been converted into a public park. While none of the three buildings bear inscriptions, the architectural style along with a record from a 1591 Ottoman cadastral survey attribute the Emir Saltuk Tomb to Izeddin Saltuk, who ruled the Satukid principality between 1132 and 1168. This well-preserved structure dates back to the twelfth century. The roof was replaced in 1956. The Emir Saltuk Tomb features an octagonal design adorned with alternating panels of light and red stones. Except for four sides, which display lighter stone decorations, the rest of the facade incorporates darker stone blocks. The two-story structure consists of an upper and a lower level. Access to the upper floor is through an entrance on the northern wall, while the lower floor can only be reached from inside the building. The entrance is decorated with an arch and a tympanum featuring intricate geometric patterns. The lower level, thought to have served as a crypt, is a rectangular chamber measuring 5.4 meters by 4.26 meters. It is covered by a stone arch and has no windows or openings except for the entrance. Currently, this space contains no sarcophagi. The second tomb, known as Anonymous I, lies to the southeast of Emir Saltuk’s mausoleum. This dodecahedral building stands on a tall square base. Above, a truncated pyramid sits atop a cylindrical drum beneath a conical roof. A decorative band with guilloche motifs in red stone wraps around the drum just below the roofline. The tomb has two floors, which likely served as a prayer room and a crypt. Due to the absence of inscriptions, its exact date is uncertain, with estimates ranging from the thirteenth to early fourteenth century according to various researchers. The third tomb resembles the previous two in design but does not feature the prominent elevated foundation seen in the others. If you have any questions or would like more information about The Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler), please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply reach out via Whatsapp, and we will reply as soon as possible.