Cemetery Looking Over the Golden Horn
Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari was the companion and standard bearer of the Prophet Muhammad. He came to Istanbul with the Arab army during the first attempted Muslim conquest of the city, died and as his last request was buried there. After the city was taken, Sultan Mehmet ordered a tomb, be constructed over Abu Ayyub's resting place and a Mosque constructed in his honour. From that point; the Golden Horn, became something of a 'sacred place', the mosque containing a stone said to bear the footprint of the Prophet Mohhamed. Many Ottoman officials wished to be buried at or near the site of Abu Ayyub's resting place. The cemetery became one of Istanbul's most desirable final resting places. Being outside the city walls, the area has long been used as a place of burial. There are Christian churches and cemeteries in the area as well as a large Muslim cemetery.
18 comments:
Interesting info. Cemeteries are always fascinating to many people.
What a beautiful and peaceful setting....
Thanks for the info, Oya - fascinating! I bet this is the most desired resting place, considering the view...
I like all the colours: the water, the green houses, the different coloured boats with the severity of the cemetry behind.
Angela
Interesting photo and interesting history information. I like the splashes of blue color.
Thanks for the info...! Yet again another interesting photo
Wonderful shot. I also agree with Kate about cemetaries. I walked past one in Sydney recently. On a cliff facing the ocean. It was really beautiful.
Oh my! this is an imposing photo! I like the fact it's on a hill and you can see it from far away.
Interesting Oya :)
Isabella, yes, itis in deed.
Dsole, yes . When the boat was coming closer I said,"what is that on the hill" and we were coming closer and closer, and then I realized that it was a cemetery...I was amazed...
Very powerful image. I like all the levels.
Great photo. Love the journey from life in the water, then up to the houses with their lives and continuing way up to the cemetery. In France, the cemeteries are always above the villages - and it seems to be the same in Istanbul.
Jilly x
a tomb with a view (sorry, bad pun)!!
fascinating to read about the cemetery, as someone said they are really interesting places.
I like very much your idea to present every day pics from your city.
You are a real travel guide.
Bravo
Yeah, your interest in history of places, and the places you take us to, is just like a great travel guide. And this is interesting history and a great photo. I love the colorful boats on the calm golden waters. And are those houses or hotels?
And thanks Oya, for sharing our grief.
that is a fascinating story and historical lesson - imagine how long ago this took place and it is really amazing - its interesting to see the origins of these significant landmarks!
Anu, after you asked me, I zoomed to the picture, the green building looks like a school to me, I am not quite sure yet, I will go and check personally and will let you know. There is also a motel there, but it is out of use. What a shame , right?
Yeah, such a calm and beautiful place. And the motel is not in use, unbelievable.
Oh, this is one of my favorites...the color and compostion are so good.
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