Evlice Baba Tomb

Audio Narration:

Person in the Tomb:

Evlice Baba

Location of Tomb :

Eyüpsultan, İstanbul

Title:

Mehmed the Conqueror’s master of practice and music

Birth / Death:

Unknown - 1453

About the Person:
  • Evlice Baba, whose real name is Veliyüddin, is also known as Evlice or Ülice Baba among the public.
  • He was the writing and music teacher of Mehmed the Conqueror. He was one of the saints who actively participated in the conquest of Istanbul and was honored with the honor of being a veteran.
  • He had the mosque named after himself built in Bülbüldere, Eyüp, and was known as a person who was highly respected by the people around this structure. The fact that his name was passed into the public language as “Evlice” is derived from “Uluca”, which is the diminutive form of “Ulu” (High, great).
About the Tomb:

Construction Year: 1453

Ordered by: Unknown

Architect: Unknown

Prominent Features:

  • His grave is right across from the Evlice Baba Mosque.
  • His grave is in the form of an open mausoleum, surrounded by green wrought iron railings.
  • The tomb is located on a hillside and is under the shade of hackberry trees.
  • His grave has been preserved in its simple and natural state.
  • The following statements are included on his tombstone: “Fatiha to the soul of Veli Baba, the Meşk master (Sufi practices) of the Father of Conquests and Expeditions Sultan Mehmed Ghazi, and owner of the good deeds. (857)”
  • The mosque itself was built by Veliyüddin Efendi during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror.
  • After the mosque fell into disrepair, it was repaired and reopened for worship in 1967.
  • Veliyüddin Efendi is mentioned among the spiritual founders of Istanbul with both his scientific and artistic aspects.