The Sacred Relics at Topkapi Palace

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The building housing the sacred relics is considered the most beautiful structure within the palace complex, particularly for its exquisite interior decoration. The high-quality tiles adorning both the inner and outer walls date back to the 15th and 18th centuries.

Sultan Selim I, known by the nickname “Yavuz” , brought most of these sacred relics back with him following his expedition to Egypt in 1517. Originally, the relics belonged to the ruling caliph El Mütevekkil II, the caliph being the leader of the Islamic world after Prophet Muhammad. Other relics were sent to Sultan Selim I by Seyyit Berekat, the Emir of Mecca, after he was declared caliph. In the 19th century, the palace also received a letter and a dagger belonging to Prophet Muhammad.

Personal Relics of Prophet Muhammad

The Holy Mantel of Prophet Muhammad, “Hırka-i Saadet”

The Prophet Muhammad gifted his mantel to the Arabic poet Kaab bin Züher, who initially was a pagan but later accepted Islam. After Kaab’s death, the mantel was purchased by Caliph Moawiyah for 20,000 dirhams. The Holy Mantel was passed down through the Ummayad and Abbasid caliphates, before reaching the Ottomans in the 16th century through Sultan Selim I.

This 1,400-year-old Holy Mantel is regarded as the most important relic. Made from black wool, it has wide sleeves and measures 1.24 meters in length. Since its arrival at the palace, it has been carefully preserved in a golden shrine. Today, it is displayed in a silver throne produced in the palace during the reign of Sultan Murat IV in the 17th century.

Each year, on the 15th day of the month of Ramadan, the Holy Mantel is ceremonially visited by the Sultan, viziers, and the harem.

The Swords of Prophet Muhammad, “Seyf-i Nebevi”

Prophet Muhammad is said to have owned nine swords. Two of them are currently displayed in the palace: one is “Zülfikar,” which was a gift to his son-in-law Ali, the fourth caliph, and the other is an heirloom passed down from his father. Both swords are adorned with gold and precious stones, and they are displayed in the same room as the Holy Mantel.

Also in this room is the bamboo bow of Prophet Muhammad, displayed in a golden case.

The Letter of Prophet Muhammad, “Name-i Saadet”

This letter was written by Prophet Muhammad to the ruler Moukavkas, inviting him to embrace Islam. Made from dark leather, it measures 16×19 cm and consists of 12 lines. The letter bears the seal of the Prophet and was discovered by chance in Egypt.

The Seal of Prophet Muhammad, “Mührü Saadet”

The seal of Prophet Muhammad was passed down through the caliphs: from Caliph Abu Bakr to Caliph Omar, and then to Caliph Osman. It was lost when it fell into a fountain from Osman’s hand. Almost 150 years ago, a new amber seal was discovered in Baghdad and brought to the palace.

The Tooth of Prophet Muhammad, “Den-dan-Saadet”

In a golden chest adorned with precious stones, there lies a fragment of Prophet Muhammad’s tooth, which was broken during the Battle of Uhud.

The Beard Hair of Prophet Muhammad, “Lihye-i Saadet” or “Sakal-ı Şerif”

Approximately 60 hairs from the Prophet’s beard are preserved in the palace, with one hair displayed in a jewel-encrusted golden chest.

The Footprint of Prophet Muhammad, “Nakşi Kadem-i Şerif”

In the same room as the other relics, there is one of the six existing footprints of Prophet Muhammad. The stone with the footprint is housed in a heavy golden box with a golden cover. It is believed to have appeared on the stone during the Prophet’s ascension to heaven.

The Standard of Prophet Muhammad, “Sancak-ı Şerif”

Prophet Muhammad is said to have carried two standards during holy wars: a black standard and a white standard. The black standard, known as “Ukap,” was sent from Egypt and is now displayed in a golden shrine. Due to damage, it was later sewn onto a sacred green standard.

Sacred Swords, “Suyuf-u Mübarake”

These swords belonged to the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Omar, Osman, and Ali) as well as various Islamic saints (such as Zeynel Abidin, Ebul Hasan, Halid bin Velid, Cafer-i Tayyar, and others).

Handwritten Korans

Several ancient Korans, some of which are attributed to Caliphs Osman and Ali, are displayed in the palace.

Objects from the Kaaba

Among the relics are objects from the Kaaba, including the protective covering of the holy black stone, “Hacer-ül Esved,” which is gold-plated and weighs 14kg. A piece of the Kaaba’s Repentance Gate, as well as the silver and gold-plated keys to the Kaaba, are also displayed.