Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Tomb

Bosnian-born and of devshirme origin, Sokullu Mehmet Paşa was trained in the Enderun Palace School and left a profound mark on the Ottoman Empire, serving as grand vizier under three sultans (Suleiman the Magnificent, Selim II, and Murad III).
He is one of the most powerful and long-serving grand viziers in Ottoman history, known for his effectiveness in governance, diplomatic acumen, and architectural patronage.
He commissioned numerous mosques, madrasas, bridges, and fountains, contributing richly to Ottoman architecture.
He was assassinated during a divan meeting and is regarded as a martyr.

Construction Year: 1568

Ordered by: Sokullu Mehmet Paşa

Architect: Mimar Sinan

Prominent Features:

Externally octagonal, the interior forms a hexadecagon due to its niches. The dome rests directly on the walls.
The entrance facade features a portico with three arches and eight marble columns. The outer surface is clad in küfeki stone.
The lower row of windows have marble frames; the upper row features perforated geometric grills, and top windows are decorated with gypsum latticework.
The dome interior is adorned with abstract vegetal motifs in white on a red background. The interior walls are encircled by a blue-ground underglaze band featuring Ayat al-Kursi.
The portico arches are built with alternating pink and white marble courses.
Above the entrance is an inscription of the ‘Amantu’ in large thuluth script. On the outer facade are fountain inscriptions and a six-verse poetic inscription over the entrance.
The tomb contains 19 graves, including Sokollu Mehmet Paşa, his sons Kasım Paşa, Pir Mehmet Bey, Ahmed Bey, Safiye Hanım Sultan, and grandchildren. Six are wooden sarcophagi, the rest are stone coffins. Some feature wrapped turbans, floral reliefs, and the kalima.
The tomb courtyard includes a family graveyard (hazire) and a madrasa. The tomb and madrasa entrances face each other and are connected by a portico.