Tomb of Hayreddin Barbarossa

The Tomb of Hayreddin Barbarossa is a white stone mausoleum near Istanbul's ferry port containing four sarcophaguses with architectural features from the 16th century Ottoman period. The site also includes a bronze monument erected in 1944 that depicts naval battle scenes.

The structure was built in 1541 by architect Mimar Sinan and houses the remains of Admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa, who dominated Mediterranean waters from 1538 to 1571. This period defined Ottoman naval supremacy and reshaped Mediterranean power dynamics.

The mausoleum functioned as a sacred space where Ottoman naval forces performed ceremonies before major operations, a practice the modern Turkish Navy continues today. Visitors sense the connection between past military traditions and present-day naval customs at this location.

The memorial is typically open only on special occasions, such as the Cabotage Festival on July 1st and Naval Martyrs Memorial Day on April 4th. Visitors should check in advance since access depends on official naval commemorations.

The bronze monument erected in 1944 weighs roughly 6,900 kilograms and represents a later addition to the original 16th-century tomb. This modern memorial created a lasting bond between historical naval legend and contemporary Turkish national pride.