The Tombs of Gallipoli
The people of Gallipoli (Gelibolu) say there are 99 tombs and saints’ graves (yatır) in their town. They add that if the number were 100 instead of 99, every pilgrim bound for Mecca would be obliged to stop in Gallipoli. All over the town, between houses, at street corners or right beside a home, you may come across a tomb or a saint’s grave. Many of them belong to seafarers. Some are monumental structures, others are very simple.
Gallipoli’s saints’ graves have even found their way into folk songs:
“Karşıda Gelibolu
Gelibolu yatır dolu…
…
Sana söylüyorum yar,
Duâlarım kabul oldu…”[Gallipoli lies across the water / Gallipoli is full of saints’ graves… / I’m telling you, my love, / My prayers have been answered…]
We could not officially confirm that there really are 99 tombs. In this guide we bring together, in chronological order, the main tombs, graves and historic places that are part of Gallipoli’s identity.
Grave of Hüseyin Becce Gazi (1395)
Known as Battaloğlu Hüseyin Becce Gazi, he was a warrior who took part in the conquest of Gallipoli and died there 27 years after Gazi Süleyman Paşa. His grave is at the old market place (Pazar yeri). The inscription on the gravestone says he died in 1395.
Hocahamza Tomb (1406)
This cleric gave his name to the Hocahamza neighbourhood. His grave lies opposite the Yazıcızade Fountain, on the slope leading down below the lighthouse (Fener). He died in 1406. The grave lost its original character when it was repaired.
Namazgah (Azaplar Mosque, 1407)
The namazgâh on Fener Square is an open-air mosque built in 1407 by Hacı Paşaoğlu İskender Bey. Soldiers are thought to have prayed here together before setting off on campaign.
Grave of Kaptan-ı Derya Güzelce Kasım Paşa (1543)
A commander of the era of Süleyman the Magnificent and the first Ottoman governor of Hungary, he died in 1543. His grave is next to that of Silahtar Hamza Paşa.
Grave of Kaptan-ı Derya Hüsamettin Paşa (1770)
One of the admirals of Sultan Mustafa III, he fought in the Battle of Çeşme and died in 1770. His grave is near the Yazıcızade Mosque.
Grave of Hüseyin Kelami Paşa (1828)
According to his gravestone, Hüseyin Kelami Paşa was the guardian of the Gulf of Saros. He died in 1828. His grave stands in the garden of the Tomb of Gazi Süleyman Paşa at Bolayır, against the tomb’s south wall.
