Burhan Dede Tomb Restored in Konya

The Burhan Dede Tomb, regarded as one of Konya’s spiritual landmarks, has been restored to its original form through meticulous restoration work.

Karatay Municipality, which carries out numerous projects to preserve the district’s cultural and spiritual heritage, continues to strengthen its historical identity through the restoration of historic mosques, tombs, fountains, and examples of traditional architecture.

HISTORIC STRUCTURE PLACED UNDER PROTECTION

Located in the Sarıyakup Neighborhood, the Burhan Dede Tomb was registered as an immovable cultural asset to be preserved under the Law No. 2863 on the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Assets, by the decision of the Konya Regional Board for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage dated February 17, 2017, and numbered 4263. The tomb was classified as a Group II protected structure. The restoration project prepared for the area owned by Karatay Municipality was approved by the Konya Regional Board for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage on September 24, 2024. Following the approval, restoration work began on June 12, 2025. During the restoration process, traditional construction techniques and the use of original materials were prioritized to ensure authenticity.

Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca emphasized that the restoration of the Burhan Dede Tomb holds great significance for preserving Konya’s cultural memory.

In his statement, Mayor Kılca said, “Karatay is a place where history and culture coexist, rooted in a deep and rich past. Through the restoration and conservation projects we carry out across our district, we are both strengthening the city’s identity and protecting the cultural heritage entrusted to us by our ancestors. The Burhan Dede Tomb is one of the key projects we have undertaken with this approach. We have completed its restoration in full accordance with the original structure, and once the landscaping is finalized, the tomb will be opened for public visits.”

CENTURY-OLD TOMB PRESERVED WITH ITS ORIGINAL ARCHITECTURE

Built on a stone foundation using traditional Sille stone material and brick bond courses in a geometric pattern, the Burhan Dede Tomb stands as one of the finest examples of traditional architecture with its flat interior ceiling and single-pitched roof. It is believed that the four sarcophagi inside the tomb belong to Burhan Dede, his wife, daughter, and son. Burhan Dede has been revered by the people of Konya for centuries. The tomb, frequently visited by locals, holds deep spiritual significance in both religious and folk culture.

For many years, the tomb was located within private property and remained hidden in the courtyard of a house. Through the urban transformation and expropriation efforts carried out by Karatay Municipality, it was brought to light and placed under protection. With the meticulous restoration work conducted by the municipality, the tomb has been revived while preserving its original architectural character.