The Tomb of Ahi Evran Ahi Evran is recognized as a wise leader overseeing 32 different crafts and trades across Turkey, with a special reputation for his skill in tanning. He was born near the Hoy district in Azerbaijan, currently within the borders of Iran, though his exact birthdate remains uncertain. Scholars estimate his birth year as 1171, based on his lifespan of 93 years and his death in 1261. Ahi Evran pursued his studies in Azerbaijan, Khorasan, and Baghdad before moving to Kayseri in Anatolia, where he established the influential Ahi order. This organization rapidly spread to numerous cities across Anatolia. Eventually, Ahi Evran made his home in Kırşehir, where he remained until his passing. The word "Ahi" is derived from the Arabic term meaning brother, and it describes an organization that unites craftsmen and merchants into a community that supports and promotes their trades and professions. This group resembles a brotherhood or family in many ways. To become a skilled Ahi, individuals must start as assistants and then move on to an apprenticeship. This training period typically lasts about three years, or roughly 1,000 days, before one attains the status of a master craftsman. The Ahi guild’s hierarchy is deeply rooted in Islamic values, and over the centuries, it has been enriched with Muslim customs and beliefs to stay relevant to the evolving times. After its founding, the Ahi organization spread widely across the Islamic world. However, by the close of the 16th century, the guild faced serious difficulties due to the influx of industrial goods into Ottoman markets, which disrupted access to raw materials and buyers. This struggle continued until 1861, when a law prohibiting monopolies was enacted, allowing freer trade and craftsmanship. Following the decline of the Ottoman Empire, the guilds gradually faded away, and the activities in the Ahi lodges came to a halt. Nevertheless, the Ahilik Guild is celebrated annually during a week-long event every September, organized by the ministry, to honor its history and preserve its traditions in Kırşehir. The Tomb of Ahi Evran was constructed in 1450 by Hasan Bey, an esteemed Ahi craftsman. Later, in 1481, Bozkurt of Dulkadir, the ruler of the Dulkadir Beylik who briefly occupied Kırşehir, added a zaviye (Islamic hermitage) and expanded the site. Both Hasan Bey and Bozkurt of Dulkadir left inscriptions within the complex. The exact location of Ahi Evran’s burial was established based on the placement of nearby Ahi graves, and the chamber was decorated during the 19th century. The Tomb of Ahi Evran was nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in the Cultural category on April 15, 2014. If you have any questions or would like more information about The Tomb of Ahi Evran, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us on Whatsapp, and we will reply as quickly as possible.