A graceful Ilkhanid conical-capped türbe beside the Gök Medrese, one of the finest examples of 13th-century Anatolian funerary architecture.
The Torumtay Türbe is a graceful conical-capped funerary tower of 1278 standing beside the Gök Medrese Camii in the historic quarter of Amasya. Built as the mausoleum of Torumtay, a Seljuk governor of Amasya who served under the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, the türbe is one of the finest surviving examples of 13th-century Anatolian conical-capped funerary architecture — a form that flourished across central and northern Turkey during the Seljuk and early Ilkhanid periods. The structure consists of a polygonal ashlar stone shaft topped by a pointed conical cap, with an entrance doorway of carved stone featuring arabesque and geometric motifs consistent with the high Seljuk decorative tradition. The interior contains the original burial chamber. The türbe stands within a short walk of several other significant monuments — Gök Medrese Camii (1266), the Bimarhane (1308), and the Hazeranlar Konağı — making the old town of Amasya one of the most concentrated ensembles of Seljuk and Ilkhanid architecture surviving anywhere in Turkey. Relatively few foreign visitors seek out the Torumtay Türbe specifically, making it a genuinely unhurried stop even during the busy summer season. The carved stonework on the doorway merits close examination, particularly the muqarnas hood above the entrance arch. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to visit properly, ideally as part of a walking circuit of the old-town Seljuk monuments.
Highlights
- Outstanding 1278 Seljuk conical-capped türbe — one of the finest of its type in Turkey
- Carved stone doorway with arabesque, geometric motifs, and muqarnas hood
- Original burial chamber of Torumtay, Seljuk governor of Amasya
- Part of the densest Seljuk–Ilkhanid monument cluster in northern Turkey
- Rarely crowded — a quiet counterpoint to the busier rock-tomb site
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Gök Medrese Camii immediately adjacent and the Bimarhane nearby for a full circuit
- Examine the carved doorway up close — the muqarnas hood above the entrance arch is particularly fine
- The türbe is a 15–20 minute stop; incorporate it into a longer old-town walk
- Morning light falling on the south-facing entrance doorway is best for photography
- Free or low-cost to view from the exterior; confirm interior access arrangements locally
When to visit
Morning (09:00–11:00) is best for light on the carved entrance doorway. The türbe is rarely crowded at any time and fits naturally into an old-town morning walking circuit.
Accessibility
The Torumtay Türbe exterior is freely accessible from the street and can be examined at street level. The entrance step and interior are modest in scale; wheelchair access inside may be limited.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Torumtay?
Torumtay was a Seljuk governor of Amasya in the 13th century, serving under the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. The türbe was built as his mausoleum in 1278.
Is entry to the türbe free?
The türbe exterior is freely visible from the street at all times. Interior access arrangements vary — confirm locally. The carved portal can be examined fully from outside.
How does it compare to other Turkish türbes?
The Torumtay Türbe is considered one of the better examples of the conical-capped Seljuk funerary tower form. The carved entrance doorway is of notably high quality relative to its modest size.