Person in the Tomb
Pertevniyal Valide Sultan was the fifth consort of Sultan Mahmud II. Little is known about her early life before becoming Valide Sultan.
She gained the title in 1861 when her son Sultan Abdülaziz ascended the throne, becoming highly influential in state affairs and known by the epithet “Ümmü’l-Cihân” (Mother of the World).
It was common for officials and citizens to present petitions to her directly. Her extravagant generosity, especially in dealings with the Egyptian khedival family, drew attention.
She witnessed the deposition and tragic death of her son Abdülaziz, which deeply affected her. After a period of seclusion, she regained honor during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II.
She raised Müşfika Hanım, the fourth consort of Abdülhamid II. She also expressed satisfaction in a letter regarding the exile of those involved in Abdülaziz’s fall.
Known for her charity, she supported the poor and famously donated a chandelier imported from Paris to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
About the Mausoleum
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Featured Highlights
Built on a raised platform, the tomb is designed in Neo-Classical and Empire style.
The outer entrance features a marble relief inscription in celi sülüs script of verse 58 from Surah Yasin; the inner doorway displays verse 64 from Surah Yusuf.
Constructed of cut küfeki stone, the tomb has a rectangular plan with a central chamber surrounded by four smaller adjoining rooms.
The structure is topped by a dome, whose drum is inscribed in celi sülüs script with verses from Surah al-Baqara (2:255) and Surah al-Hashr (59:21–24).
In addition to Pertevniyal Valide Sultan, the tomb houses her great-grandson Sadedi Efendi (son of Yusuf Izzettin Efendi), Cesm-i Ahu Hatun (wife of Yusuf Izzettin Efendi), and Cesm-i Ahu’s mother, Mestare Hanım.
