The tombs of Istanbul form a fascinating representation of the city’s historical culture. Each structure holds the final resting place of individuals who have significantly shaped the narrative of Istanbul and beyond. These tombs are more than mere monuments; they serve as portals to different eras, and the individuals resting within them represent a range of personas, from sultans to religious scholars, mystics, warriors, and statesmen. Each tomb embodies a unique story that summarizes the life, achievements, and legacy of these extraordinary personalities, and, collectively, they echo the rich cultural, historical, and religious significance of Istanbul.
Tomb of Hz. Halid (Tomb of Eyup Sultan)
Eyup Sultan, who was also known by the name Hz. Halid, was one of the people who traveled with the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims attach a great deal of religious importance to his tomb, and the Arabo-Byzantine Wars are the historical events that led to his relationship with the city of Istanbul.
Tomb of Fatih Sultan Mehmet
Fatih Sultan Mehmet, often known as Mehmed the Conqueror, was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and was accountable for the conquest of Constantinople. This marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of a new era in Istanbul.
Tomb of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman
Sultan Suleyman, often known as Suleiman the Magnificent in the Western world, was the ruler of the Ottoman Empire during its golden period and was responsible for significant advancements in the fields of law, architecture, and culture.
Tomb of Yavuz Sultan Selim
Yavuz Sultan Selim is famous for his development of the Ottoman Empire, which included spreading the empire’s power over all three continents and establishing Istanbul as an important capital city around the globe.
Tomb of Aziz Mahmud Hudai
Sufi mystic, poet, philosopher, and scholar Aziz Mahmud Hudai had a tremendous effect on the spiritual and cultural life of Istanbul during his time there.
Tomb of Sultan Ahmet I
One of the most significant contributions that Sultan Ahmet I made to Istanbul’s built environment was the commissioning of the building of the Blue Mosque, which has become an internationally recognized emblem of the city’s architectural splendor.
Tomb of Sheikh Yahya Efendi
Sheikh Yahya Efendi was an Islamic scholar and spiritual leader who was held in the highest regard. He made significant contributions to the religious and spiritual history of Istanbul.
Tomb of Sultan Abdulhamid
In the midst of political upheaval and pressure from the Western world, Sultan Abdulhamid was a major figure who made efforts to modernize the Ottoman Empire.
Tomb of Sultan Mahmut II
The Tanzimat was one of the many reforms implemented by Sultan Mahmut II that contributed to the modernization of the Ottoman Empire. This reform had a significant impact on the culture and society of Istanbul.
Tomb of Hatice Turhan Valide Sultan
Hatice Turhan was the mother of Sultan Mehmed IV. During the early years of her son’s reign, she acted as the de facto ruler of Istanbul, which had an effect on both the city’s politics and society.
Tomb of Sultan Mustapha III
Sultan Mustapha III was a powerful leader who made efforts to improve and fortify the Ottoman Empire’s administrative and military institutions throughout his reign.
Tomb of Merkez Efendi
Merkez Efendi was a respected Sufi teacher and healer. His tomb is a place of pilgrimage, representing the spiritual significance he holds for the residents of Istanbul.
Tomb of Sumbul Efendi
One of the most influential members of the Khalwati Sufi order was Sumbul Efendi. His spiritual impact and the contributions he made to Islamic mysticism in Istanbul are both reflected in his tomb.
Tomb of Mihrisah Valide Sultan
Mihrisah was the mother of Sultan Selim III and an important figure in the Ottoman Empire during the late 18th century. Her influence had a tremendous impact on the politics of Istanbul.
Tomb of Muhammed El Ensari
He came from Medina and participated in the Arab expedition organized for the conquest of Istanbul, and a tomb was built at the place where he died.
Tomb of Gulbahar Hatun
Gulbahar Hatun was the mother of Sultan Selim I and the wife of Bayezid II, who was the Sultan. The importance she had in the Ottoman court is reflected in the design of her tomb.
Tomb of Hurrem Sultan
Hurrem Sultan, also known as Roxelana, was the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. She was an influential figure in Ottoman politics, which had lasting implications for the governance of the empire.
Tomb of Karacaahmet
Karaca Ahmet Sultan served as a dervish under Hacı Bektaş Veli.
Tomb of Abdulvedud (Tomb of Ya Vedud)
Abdulvedud is originally from Bukhara. He served in Fatih’s army.
Tomb of Gazi Osman Pasha
Osman Pasha was a military leader known for his valor and strategic brilliance. His tomb serves as a testament to his significant contributions to the Ottoman military.
Tomb of Cedid Havatin
Cedid Havatin was a respected religious figure, and his tomb serves as an important pilgrimage site for the faithful in Istanbul.
Tomb of Turabi Baba
Turabi Baba was a respected religious figure, and his tomb serves as a site of veneration and spiritual reflection.
Tomb of Ebu-l Vefa
Ebu-L Vefa was a prominent Sufi mystic, and his tomb reflects his spiritual contributions to the culture and faith of Istanbul.
Tomb of Siyavus Pasha
Siyavus Pasha was an influential figure in the Ottoman military and political administration. His tomb in Istanbul pays homage to his contributions to the empire.
Tomb of Mir-i Miran Mehmet Aga
Mir-i Miran Mehmet Aga was an Ottoman statesman.
Tomb of Hafsa Valide Sultan
Hafsa Valide Sultan was the mother of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Her influence on her son shaped the course of the Ottoman Empire and the future of Istanbul.
Tomb of Sheikh Mustapha Devati
Sheikh Mustapha Devati was a respected spiritual leader. His tomb serves as a site of reflection and veneration for the faithful.
Tomb of Guzelce Ali Pasha
Güzelce Ali Pasha, also known as Çelebi Ali Pasha or İstanköylü Ali Pasha, was an Ottoman statesman and military figure.
Tomb of Semsi Ahmed Pasha
Semsi Ahmed Pasha is an Ottoman statesman who served as governor of Damascus, Anatolia, and Rumelia.
Tomb of Baba Cafer
Baba Cafer was a revered Sufi whose tomb is a place of pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual guidance and blessings.
Tomb of Safiye Sultan
Safiye Sultan was the influential wife of Sultan Murad III. Her tomb reflects the important role she played within the imperial harem and Ottoman court politics.
Tomb of Galip Dede
Galip Dede was a famous Ottoman-era poet and sufi. His tomb serves as a testament to his significant contributions to the cultural heritage of Istanbul.
Cover photo (retouched) by Berkin Üregen