Overview
Eyüp Cemetery (Turkish: Eyüp Mezarlığı) is a historic Muslim burial ground situated in the Eyüp district of Istanbul, Turkey. It lies on the European shore of the Golden Horn, adjacent to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the adjacent Türbe of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
Location
The cemetery occupies a hillside that slopes down toward the Golden Horn, bounded by the streets of Eyüp, Şeyh Şamil, and the Bosphorus coastal road. Its proximity to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque makes it a prominent landmark in the area.
Historical Development
- Ottoman period: The origins of the cemetery date to the early Ottoman era (15th–16th centuries), when the area surrounding the sacred tomb of Abu Ayyub al‑Ansari became a burial site for prominent officials and religious figures.
- Expansion: Over successive centuries, the cemetery expanded westward and upward, incorporating additional sections for various social groups, including the muhacir (refugee) community following the 19th‑century migrations from the Balkans and the Caucasus.
- Republican era: In the 20th century, the burial ground continued to be used for interments of notable Turkish statesmen, cultural figures, and military personnel, reflecting its status as one of Istanbul’s principal historic cemeteries.
Notable Sections
- Sultanic and official area: Contains graves of high‑ranking Ottoman officials, viziers, and members of the imperial administration.
- Muhacir section: Dedicated to refugees who arrived in Istanbul after the loss of Ottoman territories in the Balkans and the Caucasus.
- Modern memorials: Features monuments and mausoleums erected during the Republic of Turkey for distinguished individuals.
Selected Notable Burials
- Mimar Sinan (c. 1489–1588) – Renowned Ottoman chief architect; his tomb is located within the cemetery.
- Kâzım Karabekir (1882–1948) – Ottoman‑Turkish general and politician.
- Müşfik Kenter (1932–2012) – Prominent Turkish stage actor.
- Ahmet Haşim (1884–1933) – Influential poet of the Turkish literary renaissance.
The above list is illustrative and not exhaustive; many other distinguished Ottoman and Republican figures are interred at Eyüp Cemetery.
Cultural Significance
Eyüp Cemetery is regarded as a symbolic space of remembrance, reflecting Istanbul’s layered history from the early Ottoman period through the modern Republic. Its location near the sacred tomb of Abu Ayyub al‑Ansari contributes to its religious importance, making it a frequent destination for pilgrims and visitors interested in Ottoman heritage.
Preservation
The cemetery is maintained by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Conservation efforts address issues such as stone erosion, vegetation overgrowth, and unauthorized construction, aiming to preserve its historic tombstones and layout.
