The restoration of the tombs of Sultan Mustafa III and Sultan Selim III has been completed.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has successfully completed the restoration of the tombs of Sultan III. Mustafa and Sultan III. Selim, which are significant works of the Ottoman heritage. The opening ceremony took place with the participation of Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gökhan Yazgı.

The tombs, reflecting the baroque style of Ottoman architecture, stand out with their exteriors and interiors. Particularly, the tomb of Sultan III. Selim is adorned with birdhouses, which are seen for the first time in Ottoman tomb architecture, and tiles dating back to the 16th century. The tomb also houses the ‘Kadem-i Saadeti’ (footprint) of Prophet Muhammad.

These tombs were restored under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s project ‘Revival of Art for the Ancestors’. Within the project framework, the restoration of 48 out of a total of 124 tombs has been completed, and the missing projects of 19 tombs have been finalized. The goal is to complete the maintenance and repairs of all tombs by 2026.

During the restoration works, exterior cleaning, tile conservation, inscription cleaning, and general cleaning tasks were meticulously carried out by expert teams. These efforts were conducted with the aim of protecting cultural heritage and transferring it to future generations.

In addition to Sultan III. Mustafa and Sultan III. Selim, the tomb also contains the sarcophagi of Sultan III. Mustafa’s children. Adjacent to the tomb is the Aynül Hayat Tomb, where Sultan III. Mustafa’s chief consort Aynül Hayat and Sultan III. Selim’s chief consort Sefizar Kadın are interred.

During the opening ceremony, efforts made to instill historical awareness in visitors and to preserve cultural heritage were showcased. This restoration work, carried out as an expression of embracing Turkish history and culture, aims to leave an important legacy for future generations.