Sunday, 19 April 2026
Unique Architectural Marvel: Tomb of Taj Al

Unique Architectural Marvel: Tomb of Taj Al

Situated in downtown Konya, within Kültürpark, is the tomb of Taj al-Vizier. This single-story structure boasts an octagonal shape with a dome inside and a pyramidal roof on the outside.


Access to the tomb is through a doorway located on the southeast façade. The lintel and jambs of this entrance consist of ancient blocks adorned with decorative elements. Adjacent to the eastern side, remnants of a pointed-arched structure suggest that the tomb was originally connected to another building.


The interior of the tomb showcases semi-circular niches that rise from the floor and reach the drum of the dome. The dome itself is supported by squinches and constructed using bricks arranged in a herringbone pattern. On the southern side, there is a solitary window that opens into the iwan of the adjoining structure. The lower part of the tomb is constructed with rubble, while the upper sections, including the dome and the pyramidal roof, are made of brickwork.


Despite the absence of an inscription, historical records from the Pious Foundations archives of Konya mention the tomb and its association with the adjacent madrasa. According to a registry book, both the tomb and the madrasa were constructed in AH 637 (AD 1239/40). Therefore, it can be inferred that the tomb was built during the same period as the madrasa, based on the available documents.