The Tomb of Gul Baba is the northernmost Muslim pilgrimage destination. The history of the edifice goes back to the mid 16th century, the monument having been built as a proof of appreciation for Gul Baba, by order of the third pasha of Buda.

Gul Baba was an Ottoman poet, otherwise known as Cafer, who participated to the conquering Turkish campaigns in Europe, and a close friend of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent at the same time. The portrait of Gul Baba is somewhat contradictory, given certain sources describe him as a peaceful presence, a poet and a calm nature, whereas others depict him as a skilled soldier willing to give his life for the cause he served.

The circumstances of his death are not certain: he either died on the battlefield or during a Muslim religious ceremony, but the bottom line is he was esteemed enough to determine the Ottoman authorities in Budapest to have his tomb built. Moreover, he was declared the patron saint of Budapest by the sultan, which means he commanded a respect the extent of which can hardly be assessed at present.

A picturesque surname of Gul Baba was the “Father of Roses”, but, despite the theory which explains this surname by means of a legend according to which Gul Baba was the one who brought the culture of roses in Hungary (which is false, for that matter), it is more likely that Gul Baba got this nickname due to the turban he allegedly wore all the time.

The Tomb of Gul Baba is a prized landmark for the Muslim world, and at present it is under the administration of the Turk Republic. It actually contains the mortal remains of the poet, as certain analyses have shown.

Name:
Tomb of Gul Baba (Gul Baba Turbe)
Address:
14, Mecset utca, 1023, Budapest, Hungaryutca
Telephone:
0036 1 3260062
Website:
www.museum.hu
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