Deryayı Ali Baba Tomb
About the Person:
- Deryayı Ali Baba, also known as Saka Ali Baba and Acem Yar Ali Efendi, who served as the Sakabaşı of the Ottoman army during the conquest of Istanbul during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror, and with his real name Ali Efendi, is one of the saints who came from Anatolia and participated in the conquest.
- He became famous for the miracle he performed while carrying water to the army in his leather skin, at a time when the soldiers were dying of thirst: He earned the nickname “Ali Baba of the Sea” after he showed the sultan oceans of water in his skin.
- Mehmed the Conqueror showed him great respect in the face of this miracle and allocated a large land in Kazlıçeşme after the conquest. He donated the income of this land to the poor, lived in asceticism and service throughout his life, and was buried in the tomb that bore his name upon his death.
About the Tomb:
Construction Year: 15th century
Ordered by: Unknown
Architect: Unknown
Prominent Features:
- It attracts attention with its small, plain and one-eyed structure.
- The front facade is surrounded by glass with iron bars; the inside can be seen from the outside.
- On its upper part, there is a marble inscription that reads “The Tomb of the Sakabaşı of Mehmed the Conqueror – Derya-i Ali Baba”.
- The tomb keeps alive the memory of a person who took part in the conquest of Istanbul and was later recognized as a saint by the people.
- It is among the tombs that are still visited today.
