Guide
The tomb tower of Şeyh Abdurrahman Baba stands northeast of Van castle, about three kilometres from the city centre, and it is an important place of visitation. It is believed that Şeyh Abdurrahman Baba came from Baghdad to Van in the fifteenth century and carried on religious work in the region, and that after his death he was buried in this tomb built northeast of the castle. Over time the ground around it became a historic cemetery, and both tomb and cemetery are still much visited.
The tomb is octagonal in plan, built of cut brown Ahlat stone — andesite tuff — and covered by a pyramidal cap. It underwent a thorough repair by the Bitlis regional directorate of foundations in 1982-83, and during that work a square, domed masjid was added on its eastern side. Follow the road towards Van castle to reach the tomb and the cemetery.
