Person in the Tomb
Gülüştü Valide Sultan, whose real name was Fatma Chachba, was born in the city of Sukhumi in Abkhazia in 1830. She was the daughter of Tahir Bey, one of the Abkhaz princes.
She entered the Ottoman Palace at a young age and, as was customary, her name was changed to Gülüştü. After serving as a lady-in-waiting to Bezmialem Sultan, she became the wife of Sultan Abdülmecid in 1854.
She gave birth to twin daughters Zekiye and Fehime Sultan, later Mediha Sultan, and in 1861, Prince Vahideddin (Mehmed VI), who would become the last Ottoman sultan.
She died of tuberculosis after giving birth in the same year. Since she was not alive when her son ascended to the throne, she could not officially receive the title of Valide Sultan (Queen Mother).
About the Mausoleum
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Featured Highlights
It has a circular (round) plan with a cylindrical body, which is rare in Ottoman tomb architecture.
Its dome is placed on a short drum, and the structure is covered in classical Ottoman style.
It was built from cut limestone.
It is illuminated by 9 windows in the lower row and 14 windows in the upper row.
The entrance is on the east side and has a flat arch.
The interior is covered with hand-drawn decorations on a black background. Acanthus leaves, floral motifs from vases, window arches and the dome skirt are decorated.
The coffins inside the tomb are covered with glittery headscarves.
The coffin belonging to Dürrüaden Kadın attracts attention with its Muşarabiye style wood inlay and carving art.
There are a total of 9 coffins in the tomb: Mehmed V Reşad’s wife Dürrüaden Kadın; Gülüştü Valide Sultan’s daughters Zekiye Sultan & Fehime Sultan; Sultan Abdülmecid’s daughter from Verdcenan Kadın Münire Sultan; Sultan Abdülmecid’s leading lady Şehime Sultan, Sultan Abdülmecid’s second wife Şerefnaz Hanım; Sultan Abdülmecid’s fiancée Ceylanyar Hanım; Sultan Abdülmecid’s daughter from Nesrin Hanım Behice Sultan.
