Çeşnigar Osman Ağa Tomb
About the Person:
- Hafız Osman Ağa was a statesman who held important positions in the Ottoman palace organization. He served as chief butler during the reign of Selim I and then as chief taster during the reign of Süleyman I. He is also known as the chief surgeon of the palace. Osman Ağa was buried in the tomb he had built upon his will. His wife and daughter are also buried in the tomb.
About the Tomb:
Construction Year: 1586
Ordered by: Osman Efendi
Architect: Mimar Sinan
Prominent Features:
- The tomb is a modest structure reflecting the characteristics of classical Ottoman architecture. The main window on the front facade of the tomb, which has three windows, was designed as a fountain. The basin and side fountain are still partially present inside this fountain, which is closed with a simple iron grid. The inscription is located on the right corner of the tomb, right next to the fountain.
- Inside, a magnificent sarcophagus made of marble and a high headstone with double inscriptions rising above it attract attention. This stone contains praises and prayers for Osman Ağa in Thuluth script, one of the most distinguished examples of calligraphy. On the sides of the sarcophagus are the graves of his wife and daughter.
- The outer facade of the tomb is dominated by an alternating cut stone and brick wall arrangement. It is covered with a single dome. The interior of the dome has simple but elegant hand-drawn decorations.
- The fountain and the tomb structure were built together, which makes the structure meaningful in terms of both architecture and social assistance structures.
