Haydar Bey Kosk

Argincik (Kayseri) Turkey

This is a small Seljuk pleasure pavilion, probably used in the summer to escape the heat and enjoy the countryside.  The inscription has been lost.  It was built during the Ilhanli-Eratna Beyerlik by a certain Emir Haydar Bey, who died in 1349.

The L-shaped plan comprises an offset entry room, with a tower-like entry room containing steps leading up to a roof terrace.  The staircase comprises an intricate stone landing carved in the shape of a radiating fan.  The tower room gives onto a large middle room, the western hall.  There are 2 rooms on the east side and 4 rooms on the the west side, entered by small doors with carved architraves.  It resembles a small castle, but the sober decoration and the peaceful setting lend it a more a intimate nature.

This is the only extant example of Seljuk domestic architecture. It is located in to the north of Argincik, a suburb of Kayseri, in the middle of a fertile field of sunflowers.

Photographs taken in August 2005.  I thank the Kayseri historian Muhsin Ilyas Subasi for his guided tour.

©2005-2007, Katharine Branning; All Rights Reserved.  No part of this site may be reproduced in any form without written consent from the author.