Sultan III. Murad Tomb

The son of Selim II and Nurbanu Sultan, Sultan Murad III ascended the throne by executing his twelve brothers to secure central authority. While the state was largely governed by his powerful grand vizier Sokollu Mehmed Paşa, he oversaw the establishment of the first official Ottoman observatory in Istanbul and had Mimar Sinan complete the Atik Valide Complex in Üsküdar.
Beginning in 1578, the Ottoman-Safavid War expanded conquests in the Caucasus. The Long Turkish War that began in 1593 with Austria ushered in a costly and prolonged conflict. His reign saw economic strain from high inflation and currency debasement, as well as internal unrest marked by the ‘Kul Kethüdâsı’ revolts. However, the period was also known for increased magnificence in the arts, literature, and palace ceremonies, with growing influence from palace women, notably Safiye Sultan.
Sultan Murad III died in early 1595 in Istanbul and was buried in his tomb next to Hagia Sophia. He left behind a turbulent legacy for his son Mehmed III, who would face both war and the Celali revolts.

Construction Year: 1595 – 1599

Ordered by: Sultan Mehmed III

Architect: Chief Architect Davud Ağa and Dalgıç Ahmed Ağa

Prominent Features:

Initially designed as a hexagon, the structure was modified into an irregular octagon with chamfered corners and features a double-dome system.
Entirely clad in marble; includes a wide domed drum with triple rows of windows and muqarnas detailing; has elevated ‘petition windows’ cutting through the enclosure wall.
Features specially designed İznik tile panels; a Qur’anic frieze with the basmala and Surah al-Mulk; medallions with the Names of God; the dome decorated with calligraphic Surah al-Fatiha and repeated names of Allah and Muhammad.