Person in the Tomb
While little is known about his early life, Nakkaş Hasan Paşa was trained in the Enderun (Palace School) and served in the Harem-i Hümâyun (Imperial Harem).
In 1581, during the reign of Sultan Murad III, he worked alongside the renowned painter Osman. Over time, he held positions such as bölükbaşı (head of a division), anahtar oğlanı (key keeper), tülbent gulâmı (turban cloth servant), and was appointed kapıcıbaşı (chief gatekeeper) in 1603.
He later served as Tophane nazırı (arsenal superintendent), Yeniçeri Ağa (commander of the janissaries), and Beylerbeyi of Rumelia, actively participating in military campaigns and suppressing the Celâlî revolts.
In 1609, he was granted the rank of vizier and became Beylerbeyi of Buda. Under Sultan Osman II, he rose to the position of third vizier.
A master of Ottoman miniature painting and gilding, he contributed to works such as The Conquest of Eger and Siyer-i Nebî. His miniatures featured full-faced, thick-browed, bearded figures, and his landscapes often included tall trees and pointed hills.
His gilding work includes the illuminated tughra of Sultan Ahmed I and the Qur’an manuscript of Ahmed Şemseddin Karahisârî.
He owned a yalı (waterside mansion) in Beylerbeyi; the district of Nakkaştepe is believed to be named after him.
About the Mausoleum
- Year Built
- Commissioned By
- Architect
- Location
Featured Highlights
The türbe has a square plan and is built from cut stone, topped by a high drum and a lead-covered dome.
A three-part portico supported by columns with muqarnas capitals and pointed arches stands in front, beneath a three-sided sloping roof.
The façades feature Qur’anic inscription panels, scallop-shell pediments, and two rows of windows. On the entrance façade, lower windows are replaced by cupboard niches.
The drum is hexadecagonal (16-sided) with eight windows and softened corners with small columns.
On the street-facing side is an elegant fountain with a small dome and scallop pediment; next to it is an inscription dated 1714, belonging to Mehmed Bey.
The tomb contains twelve graves: six with marble sarcophagi and six with wooden coffins, including the graves of Nakkaş Hasan Paşa, his wife, children, and Mehmed Bey.
Nine additional headstones are found in the adjoining graveyard (hazire).
