Tomb of Princes at Hagia Sophia
Silent Witnesses to Ottoman Dynastic History
Around Hagia Sophia stand several mausoleums that contain the graves of Ottoman princes and members of the royal family. These tombs complement the sultans’ mausoleums and reveal the complex, often tragic stories of succession in the empire.
Princes in the Shadow of the Dome
Ottoman princes (şehzades) were central to the stability of the dynasty but also potential rivals to the reigning sultan. Their burials near Hagia Sophia placed them close to the spiritual and political heart of the capital, even when their lives were cut short by illness or palace intrigue.
Architecture and Atmosphere
The tombs of princes are generally smaller than the sultans’ mausoleums but share similar elements: domed roofs, Iznik tile decoration, and rows of sarcophagi under embroidered covers. The quiet courtyards around them offer a moment of calm away from the crowds.
Finding the Tombs of Princes
Several of these tombs are located on the south and southwest sides of Hagia Sophia, near the royal mausoleums of Selim II, Murat III, and Mehmed III. Signs and information panels in the complex help visitors navigate between them.