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Kuyucu Murad Paşa Tomb

Audio Narration:

Persons in the Tomb:

Kuyucu Murad Paşa

Birth / Death: Unknown – 1611
Title: Grand Vizier
About: Kuyucu Murad Paşa was of Croatian origin and was taken into the palace through the devshirme system and trained at the Enderun. He was known as a loyal, brave, and devoted statesman. Though he was captured during the war with Iran, he escaped and returned to Istanbul. He served as governor of Yemen, Cyprus, Karaman, Diyarbakır, and Rumelia, and was appointed grand vizier in 1606. To suppress the Celali revolts, he took harsh measures, burying those he executed in a well, earning the nickname "Kuyucu" (Well-Digger). He died in Diyarbakır in 1611 and was buried in his tomb in Vezneciler, Istanbul.

Abaza Mehmed Paşa

Birth / Death: 1576 – 1634
Title: Grand Vizier
About: Abaza Mehmed Paşa was of Abkhazian origin, a former slave who rose to high office in the Ottoman Empire. He started his career as treasurer to the rebellious Governor of Aleppo, Canbolatoğlu Ali Paşa. Captured during the revolt, he was pardoned and entered Ottoman service. Supported by Grand Vizier Damat Halil Paşa, he held various key roles including Admiral of the Fleet, Silahdar, and Governor of Aleppo, Marash, and Erzurum. In 1624, he led an uprising against the Janissaries, seizing cities like Sivas, Ankara, and Bursa, but was ultimately unsuccessful. After Erzurum fell in 1628, he was again pardoned and appointed Governor of Bosnia. He excelled in the Polish campaign under Sultan Murad IV, but was later executed in 1634 after a political dispute. He was a controversial figure, admired and accused of tyranny in Ottoman records.

Location of the Tomb:
Fatih, İstanbul
About the Tomb:

Construction Year: 1611

Ordered by: Kuyucu Murad Paşa

Architect: Unknown

Prominent Features

  • The tomb is square-planned and constructed from finely cut stone.
  • The portico is supported by columns with muqarnas capitals and features round arches with medallions.
  • The tomb is lit by two rows of windows; the lower windows are marble-framed and barred, while the upper ones are within pointed arches with plaster grills.
  • The interior is simple and lacks decorative elements.
  • Entrance to the tomb is through a portico on the southern side, above which is inscribed: “Peace be upon you, enter Paradise for what you used to do.” Additionally, above the door, in thuluth script on marble, is verse 73 of Surah Az-Zumar.
  • In addition to Kuyucu Murad Paşa, the tomb houses the graves of Cağaloğlu Sinan Paşazâde Mahmud Paşa and Abaza Mehmed Paşa.
  • The tomb is part of a complex commissioned by Kuyucu Murad Paşa, including a madrasa, classroom, mosque, tomb, fountain, primary school, and shops.
Route
Kılıç Ali Paşa Tomb
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