The Pir Sücaeddin Ilyas Türbesi, also called ‘Yukarı Pirler Türbesi’ (= Upper Tomb of the Governors), is a mausoleum erected in 1486 by Gümüşlüzade Ahmed Bey, from the same family of the man who repaired the Gümüşlü Cami two centuries later. This Gümüşlüzade Ibrahim Bey rebuilt this tomb too, in 1689. The building collapsed again in 1895, due to an earthquake. And again it was restored soon after, in a traditionnal Ottoman style, but using the 19th century building techniques. As no restorations were needed since, it is obviously looked after carefully.

A ‘Pir’ is a leader of an Islamic Sufi brotherhood, often also referred to as ‘Şeyh’ (Sheikh).

The inside of the mausoleum is divided into three areas, each of them hooded over by a little dome. Each area has its own function: one is for study and meditation, the center is the tomb, and the third is a mescit (= small mosque). The türbe still attracts pilgrims in search of spiritual inspiration.

On the picture: The eastern area, used for study and meditation. It is separated from the ‘tomb area’ by a wooden fence.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: ‘Vakıf Abideler ve eski Eserler’ - Vakıflar Genel Müdürlüğü, Ankara 1983.