Sacred relics transferred from the Yıldız Palace 100 years ago have come to light

• Sacred relics transferred from the Yıldız Palace 100 years ago have come to light.

In Fatih, an exhibition of 9 sacred relics transferred from the Yıldız Palace to Istanbul University in 1924 has been opened to visitors. Visitors showed great interest in the sacred relics that emerged after 100 years.

The exhibition of 9 sacred relics transferred from the Yıldız Palace to Istanbul University in 1924 was opened at the Rare Works Library of Istanbul University. Preserved relics emerged after 100 years. The exhibition, named “Visit to the Sacred Relics,” includes items such as the Lihye-i Saadet, the Holy Beard of the Prophet (peace be upon him), pieces of the Hücre-i Saadet that broke during repairs and were later presented to the sultan, candles used to illuminate the Ravza-i Mutahhara, a 514-year-old Quran, the flags of the Conquest and Cavalry Procession, and the Hilye-i Şerif plaques. The exhibition, which opened on April 2nd, will continue to welcome guests until April 5th at 4:00 PM within Istanbul University.

“It was entrusted to Istanbul Darülfünun in 1924 for safekeeping by Atatürk”
Speaking about the organized exhibition, Istanbul University Research Assistant Mahmut Şan stated, “The sacred relics, which are preserved in our university and library, were under the responsibility of the Yıldız Palace during the time of Sultan Abdülhamid Han. In 1924, they were entrusted to Istanbul Darülfünun by Atatürk for safekeeping. We prepared a visit consisting of a total of 9 pieces. Four of them are direct mementos of the Prophet (peace be upon him), while the rest are artifacts that we take care of as our national heritage and state trust. Among the sacred relics, our visitors will start their visit with the Hilye-i Şerif plaques. They will be greeted by the Hilye of Kazasker Mustafa İzzet Efendi and Mehmed Şevki Efendi. Then they will continue their visit with a 514-year-old Quran from our great calligraphers who gave Turkish style to writing, followed by a flag of the Ertuğrul Cavalry Procession dated 1886 and then our Conquest Flag. Afterwards, they will finish their visit by observing the candle burning in the Ravza-i Mutahhara of the Prophet (peace be upon him), pieces of the Hücre-i Saadet that were spilled during repairs and brought to Istanbul to be presented to the sultan, and by paying respects to the Holy Beard of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It opened to visitors on April 2nd. The visit will continue until Friday. Everyone from Istanbul University, including students, academics, and staff, can come to visit. They can visit from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday.”

“We feel like we are in Medina”
Zeynep Yazıcı, a student at Istanbul University who is involved in the exhibition of sacred relics, said, “Here, we feel honored to await the sacred relics of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and to welcome visitors. We feel like we are in Medina. We have such a sense of affection. We await all visitors.”

“I can’t describe my feelings here”
Türkeş Aliyev, a student at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Political Sciences, expressed his happiness to be included in the exhibition, saying, “Here, as students, we stand in a guard of honor. Participating in this exhibition where the sacred relics of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are displayed is a great joy for me. This is a great privilege. It is a great happiness for us that our university opens such a meaningful and beautiful exhibition in the month of Ramadan, the Sultan of eleven months. I can’t describe my feelings here.”