The tomb of Sultan Izzeddin Keykavus I, a key ruler of the Seljuk Empire, has reopened to visitors in Sivas, Türkiye. Buried in the Şifahiye Madrasa, which he built in 1217, his tomb remained largely unknown to the public and was locked for years until recently. Keykavus, known for expanding the Seljuk’s influence in trade and maritime power through the conquest of Sinop and Antalya, turned the empire into a major trade center. Expert historian Yunus Budaktaş highlights Keykavus’ pivotal role in connecting the Seljuks to the Black Sea and advancing trade, especially with Venice.
Yunus Çiftci – Onur Erden