Joshua's Hill, Sacred hill and burial site in Beykoz, Turkey
Joshua's Hill is a sacred hill in Beykoz that rises 201 meters above the Bosphorus and features multiple religious and cultural facilities at its summit. The site contains a tomb structure, a mosque, a fountain, a cultural center, a library, and dining areas for visitors.
The hill held an ancient Temple of Zeus that transformed into the Church of Hagios Michael during Byzantine times until an earthquake in 1509 caused significant changes. This seismic event marked a turning point in the site's history and led to its eventual redevelopment.
The hill is revered as a sacred place associated with Prophet Joshua, drawing visitors who come to pray and reflect. This spiritual significance shapes how people use and experience the location throughout the year.
The site is accessible by public transportation, with Bus 15A providing a practical option that brings you close to the location from Üsküdar. From the bus stop, you will need to walk to reach the summit, so plan for a moderate climb and wear comfortable shoes.
The burial site was identified by Yahya Efendi, a milk brother of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent who held considerable influence at court. The mosque standing at the summit today was built in 1755 and has defined the site's appearance ever since.
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