Ancient tomb remains found at Gulbahar Hatun Mosque during restoration in Türkiye’s Tokat
An aerial view of the restoration works at the 540-year-old Gulbahar Hatun Mosque in Tokat, Türkiye. (IHA Photo)
During the ongoing restoration of the 540-year-old Gulbahar Hatun Mosque in Tokat, Türkiye, historical tomb remnants have been discovered. The mosque, protected under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism‘s General Directorate of Foundations, was originally built by Sultan Bayezid II in 1485 in memory of his mother, Gulbahar Hatun.
The remains were found in the southwest part of the mosque and have now become the focus of an expert investigation.
Tomb remnants from different periods discovered
According to experts, the remains were found near a canopy-style tomb, with two significant graves identified. Various tomb remnants, believed to date from different historical periods, were also uncovered.
The findings have prompted art historians to compile detailed reports, which will inform decisions about which graves should be preserved or removed.
Reports on Perihan Hatun Sultan’s tomb
Speculation has surrounded the possibility that the tomb of Perihan Hatun Sultan is located within the mosque complex. Detailed art history reports are being prepared to further investigate this claim.
Once the restoration and preservation assessments are complete, the mosque’s surrounding area will undergo landscaping to finish the restoration process promptly.
Historic tombs in early photographs
Sebahattin Erdogan, regional director of foundations in Tokat, highlighted that the tombs discovered during the excavation had previously been visible in early 20th-century photographs.
“The tomb remains seen in these historical photos have been uncovered during the restoration work. Reports related to these findings have been submitted to the Cultural Heritage Conservation Board, and further decisions will be made regarding the preservation and integration of the tombs into the ongoing restoration,” Erdogan said.
As the restoration progresses, officials aim to ensure that the significant historical and cultural elements of the Gulbahar Hatun Mosque are preserved for future generations.
