Muradiye Tombs

Muradiye Tombs Review

The complex around the Sultan Murat II Camii (built 1425-26) is probably the city's most serene resting place, with 12 tombs tucked amid a leafy park. Among those buried here are Murat (1404-51), the father of Mehmet the Conqueror, and Mustafa (1515-53), the eldest son of Süleyman the Magnificent, who was strangled in his father's tent. Murat's plain tomb was built in accordance with his will, with an open hole in the roof right above the tomb to let the rain in. The most decorated tombs are those of two grandsons of Murat, Çelebi Mehmet and Cem Sultan, which are kept locked most of the time—ask the caretaker to open them for you. The historical complex also included a nearby hamam, medrese (now the), and a kitchen house for the poor (now the restaurant).