Haydar Bey Kösk

Argincik (Kayseri) Turkey

The Haydar Bey Köşk is a small pleasure pavilion, probably used in the summer to escape the heat and enjoy the countryside. It is located in Argincik, a suburb of Kayseri, in the middle of a fertile field of sunflowers.

Its inscription plaque as been lost, but it was most certainly built during the late Seljuk period at the time of the Ilhanli-Eratna Beylik, by a certain Emir Haydar Bey, who died in 1349.

The L-shaped plan comprises an offset entry, 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 central hall. There are 2 rooms on the east side and 4 rooms on the west side, entered by small doors with carved architraves. The kiosk resembles a small castle, but the sober decoration and the peaceful setting lend it an intimate nature.

This kiosk is the only existing example of Seljuk domestic architecture.

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