Halil Paşa Tomb

Halil Paşa was a just and moderate vizier who held significant roles in the Ottoman state administration during the early 17th century, serving twice as Grand Vizier.
He was born in the village of Tavlusan (Aydınlar) in Kayseri.
He commissioned many charitable works in Istanbul, Üsküdar, Fatih, and Anatolia—including mosques, madrasas, fountains, bridges, caravanserais, and libraries.
He established multiple endowments for the benefit of his soul and his family’s, and appointed surre (charitable caravans) to assist the poor of the Two Holy Cities (Mecca and Medina).

Construction Year: 1626

Ordered by: Halil Paşa

Architect: Unknown

Prominent Features:

Built entirely of cut stone, the tomb reflects classical Ottoman tomb architecture.
Due to the sloped terrain, a fountain and sebil were incorporated beneath the tomb structure.
The courtyard is enclosed by a high-walled structure with tall windows; the entrance is through a cut-stone arched doorway.
Within the courtyard are two tombs—one large, belonging to Halil Paşa, and a smaller one for his son Mahmut Bey.
Only six graves remain in the hazire today, as the original gravestones have disappeared.
Three gates provide access to nearby tombs and the cemetery: one leads to the Tomb of Şeyh Mesud Efendi, another to the Tomb of Ayşe Sultan, and one opens into the hazire.
The tomb’s floor is paved with classic red bricks.
The adjacent Halil Paşa Madrasa (also known as Kapıcı Tekke) and its annexes have not survived.
The tomb and its complex are affiliated with the Halil Paşa Foundation; the foundation charter is preserved among the manuscript collections of the Archaeology Museum.
Apart from this complex in Üsküdar, Halil Paşa left numerous charitable works in Fatih, Kayseri, Zeytun (Süleymanlı), and around Istanbul. The mosques, madrasas, bridges, and fountains built in his name are notable examples of the architectural heritage of the period.