Cemeteries and memorials to visit Turkey

Kayseri has magnificent Seljuk mausoleums, two-storey buildings that housed the remains of nobles. The most famous and beautiful is the Döner Kümbet (revolving mausoleum) in Talas Caddesi. Built in 1276 to house the tomb of a princess, it is spiral-shaped and appears to turn around. The fine outer ornaments with animal motifs are superb. Nearby you can also see the Sırçalı Kümbet which was originally covered with coloured earthenware.

Built in 1312, by the daughter of Rukneddin Kılıç Aslan, Hüdavend Hatun, it is one of the most beautiful mausoleums in the country. In Anatolian Seljuk style, the burial chamber is located halfway up and has three openings. It is a tiered and octagonal tomb, built from white marble for the doors and windows, yellow trachyte stone and red stone. The general style and that of the reliefs suggest strong influences from Persia and Central Asia. The mausoleum has preserved its original style to the present day.