Description of the attraction
One of the most interesting sights of Erzurum, the Uch Kumbetler mausoleum complex, consisting of three monumental tombs and a small park around them, is located a stone's throw from the Chifte Minareli Madrasah. It is believed that the largest mausoleum belongs to Emir Saltuk and dates back to the end of the 12th century. Presumably, the rest of the tombs with conical roofs were built in the XIV century. There are different opinions about what constituted the small square building next to the mausoleums. Most scholars believe that this is a mosque. Three tombs were renovated in 1956 by the Ministry of Public Education.
Emir Saltuk's tube is made of faceted stone. On a one-story octagonal base, there is a low, rounded drum topped with a dome. The walls of the tomb are decorated with animal reliefs: here you can see bulls, snakes, bats and eagles. One image shows a human head between the horns of a bull. The cornice of the portal facing north is decorated with geometric and floral patterns. Inside there is a staircase that leads to an underground tomb, where the remains of the emir are buried.
To the southeast of the Saltuk Turbe there is another mausoleum built of gray stone. There are three small windows at the top of the structure. Another window is located at the door level.
The third tomb is located 4 meters from the second mausoleum. It was built with local stone. An originally decorated mihrab is installed inside the tomb.
The beauty of the three mausoleums was once noted by Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, who had a chance to visit Erzurum.
