Two years before he conquered Istanbul Mehmet, son of Murat II had this tomb built for his father, in accordance with his will. A dome is placed on a tambour with four column capitals from the Byzantine era, a vaulted gallery surrounds the central area. The dome is partly left open at the top, so rain and sunlight can enter, again in accordance with Murat’s wishes. His sarcophagus is very simple. In a room to the side three sons (Alaadidin, Şehzade Ahmet and Orhan) and one daughter (Şehzade Hatun) have their resting places. One can come across the word "Şehzade" in a boy's name, indicating he is a son of a "Şah" (king), but the word is also used - though not often - as a girl's name. Hence Şehzade Hatun.


A view of the previous tombs from the space surrounding Murat's tomb.

The paintings that ornate the window frame date from the 19th century restoration. They were executed in late-Ottoman ‘Turkish Baroque’ style, which was influenced by European Neo-Classicism.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.