Çandır Şah Sultan Hatun Türbesi

The Çandır Şah Sultan Hatun Türbesi is located within the boundaries of the Çandır district of Yozgat province. The structure was built in the name of Şah Sultan Hatun, who lived during the period of the Dulkadiroğulları Beylik. According to the inscription inside the türbe, it was constructed in 905 AH (1499–1500 CE). The source also clearly states that Şah Sultan Hatun was the wife of Dulkadiroğlu Şahruh Bey. In this regard, the türbe constitutes an important architectural example among women’s tombs of the late Anatolian beyliks.

The türbe was constructed using finely cut stone on an octagonal plan. Its roof is covered by a pyramidal structure. The entrance section is arranged in the form of a deep iwan and is covered by a barrel vault. Access to the türbe is gained through this iwan, and the entrance door aligns directly with the staircase leading down to the crypt beneath the main chamber.

The interior space is supported by pendentives at the base of the dome, while the upper covering is completed internally as a dome and externally as a pyramidal cupola. The crypt consists of a lower chamber functioning as a burial room, accessible via steps from all four sides. The crypt is also laid out on an octagonal plan. This architectural form shows similarities with the tomb architecture of Central Anatolia during the period.

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The door frame of the türbe is made of marble and features a pointed arch with a five-tiered muqarnas crown. The pendentives supporting the dome are adorned with ornamental motifs resembling scallop shells. Additionally, a key stone in the shape of a pear drop is located at the center of the dome. On the exterior façade, finely cut stones in light brown and grey tones are used in the stonework and arranged alternately. The inscriptions on the exterior surfaces are carved onto marble panels and contain Persian couplets.

Regarding window placement, large windows are situated on the south and north façades, while smaller windows with mazgal forms are located in the upper sections. These openings contribute to the illumination of the interior space and support air circulation within the structure.

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Under social and cultural activities organized by the Yozgat Provincial Directorate of National Education, visits to the Çandır Şah Sultan Hatun Türbesi are arranged for elementary school students. During these visits, students are informed about the historical value, architectural features, and the importance of preserving the türbe. These activities contribute to fostering awareness of cultural heritage from an early age.

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The structure is situated within an area bounded by surrounding walls, and old gravestones are visible in its vicinity. The türbe is currently in largely good condition, although some displacement of stones on the façades has occurred over time. It has been registered in the Cultural Heritage Inventory by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a status that confirms its protection under state conservation measures.

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