Tomb of Merkez Efendi, Ottoman tomb in Zeytinburnu, Turkey.
The Tomb of Merkez Efendi is a stone and wood structure in Istanbul with several connected buildings. It contains a prayer hall, cells for ascetics, a fountain, a kitchen, and an elevated pavilion arranged in traditional Ottoman layout.
Merkez Efendi died in 1551, after which Shah Sultan, a daughter of Sultan Selim I, commissioned a prayer building and gathering hall. The site grew over centuries into the larger complex seen today.
The tomb draws pilgrims seeking spiritual guidance and reflection in a sacred space. Visitors come to experience the devotional atmosphere and understand the reverence shown to this respected saint.
Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and slippery surfaces, especially during rainy weather. Morning and early afternoon visits offer better conditions for walking and viewing the site comfortably.
The dome interior is decorated with geometric star patterns that cover the vault. The western facade displays marble cladding and houses several historical graves behind an entrance with a wooden ceiling.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
