Founder of the Mausoleum
Turbat al-Sayida Turkan Khatun is located on the north side of Bab al-Silsila Road. According to the foundation inscription, it belonged to a woman, or khatun in Turkish, a daughter of one of the Uzbek princes. She was a descendent of one of the Islamic families that ruled the east Islamic world. It appears that Turkan Khatun wished to reside in the Old City, and when she died, she was buried in Jerusalem in this mausoleum which was built especially for her. There is also the possibility that Turkan Khatun passed through Jerusalem on her way to pilgrimage and decided to settle in it.
North Façade
This mausoleum, compared to others, is very rich with decorative panels, which appear inside and on the main external southern façade that overlooks Bab al-Silsila Road. This façade is built with white stones that have turned to grey due to weathering elements. The façade is divided into two similar sections. The lower part of each section hosts a rectangular window covered with iron grille for protection. There is a stone lintel above each window, and above that is a rectangular stone panel carved and embossed with geometric and plant motifs. Above the panel, there is a square stone plaque showing similar motifs and decorations.
The Mausoleum from the Inside
The mausoleum is divided into two parts. The southern part is a square room topped with a dome sitting on arches, stone panels with plant and geometric carvings and motifs that artistically match those seen on the façade fill the walls. The richness of these decorations reflects the princely origins of the owner of the mausoleum. It is difficult to enter into the mausoleum to see a small, shallow niche with decorations.
