Tomb of Abdurrahman Pasha

Abdurrahman Paşa Türbesi is an octagonal tomb structure built in the mid-17th century, reflecting classical Ottoman architectural style, located at the intersection of Camii Kebir Caddesi and Boyacı Sokağı in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul.

^{Abdurrahman Paşa Türbesi} (Eyüpsultan Belediyesi)

The structure was originally commissioned by Şekerpare Kadın (Şehsuvar Usta), a favorite of Sultan Ibrahim I, for her own use. Although the exact construction date is unknown, after Şekerpare Kadın was exiled to Ebrim in 1648 on charges of bribery, the tomb was purchased the same year by Babüssaade Ağası Abdurrahman Paşa and Hazine-i Hassa Ağası Hasan Ağa. This transaction was recorded in a 14-line inscription above the tomb’s entrance gate, dated 1058 (1648). Over time, the building was used for many years as a carpentry workshop and underwent restoration in 1942. As a result of raising the road level in the area in 1957, the structure now lies below ground level.^【1】

The tomb is a masonry structure built of cut stone with an octagonal floor plan. Its interior is covered by a single dome supported by pendentives. Interior lighting is provided by two rows of windows; the lower row consists of rectangular openings with marble sills and iron grilles.

The upper row of windows features pointed arches with plaster stained-glass work, containing medallions decorated with floral bouquet motifs. The original two-column portico at the entrance has not survived to the present day. The sebil and fountain adjacent to the tomb were removed during the 1942 renovations.^【2】

Two main inscriptions are associated with the tomb. The existing entrance inscription, written in Ottoman Turkish, consists of 14 lines documenting the purchase of the structure by Abdurrahman Paşa and Hasan Ağa in 1648.

A second inscription, originally placed on the now-lost sebil and commissioned by the tomb’s original founder Şekerpare Kadın, was transferred to the tomb’s entrance door during restoration works. It bears the date 1059 (1646).

Today, two sarcophagi are present within the tomb. The principal individuals buried here are:

• Abdurrahman Paşa: A statesman of Enderun origin who served as Babüssaade Ağası, Commander of the Bosphorus Guard, and governor of Anatolia and Egypt. He died in 1653.
• Hasan Ağa: An Enderun graduate who served as Hazine-i Hassa Ağası and Chief Treasurer, becoming Mirahur-i evvel in 1650.
• Fatma Hanım: Wife of Sadr-ı Esbak Mustafa Naili Paşa. She is buried in a tombstone dated 1867 located in the small courtyard in front of the tomb.^【3】

Şekerpare Kadın, the original founder of the tomb, was not buried here as she died in exile in Ebrim.^【4】