Ramadan preparations at Chamber of Holy Relics in Topkapi Palace
The Chamber of the Holy Relics, located in the Enderun Courtyard of Topkapi Palace, is being prepared by the staff to welcome its visitors during the Ramadan period, Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
The Chamber of the Holy Relics at Topkapi Palace, located in the Enderun Courtyard, has completed its preparations to welcome visitors during the holy month of Ramadan. The relics, which were brought to Istanbul after Sultan Selim I’s conquest of Egypt in 1517, have been carefully preserved and displayed for centuries.
This historic section, home to invaluable artifacts, including the belongings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and other religious figures, attracts thousands of visitors during the holy month. As Ramadan draws significant attention to this holy space, the meticulous cleaning and maintenance work ensures that these precious relics are ready for public viewing.
The Chamber of the Holy Relics in Topkapi Palace has completed preparations to welcome visitors during Ramadan.
Brought to Istanbul by Sultan Selim I in 1517, the holy relics have been carefully preserved for centuries. The chamber, one of the most visited sections of Topkapi Palace, receives special attention during Ramadan.
During Ramadan, the holy relics undergo meticulous cleaning and maintenance to preserve their historical significance.
The cloak and sandals of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), a revered relic, remain the centerpiece of the Chamber of the Holy Relics.
Visitors can also see the personal belongings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), including his letters, sword, and footprint.Among the relics is a Quran attributed to Caliph Uthman, a significant artifact drawing public interest.
The chamber also houses relics of previous prophets, including Moses’ staff and Abraham’s cooking pot. Holy artifacts from the era of the Prophet and his companions are displayed with great care.
Specialized teams use traditional and modern methods to clean and conserve the holy artifacts. The Has Oda (Privy Chamber) underwent extensive restoration, making it accessible to visitors for the first time.
In 2023, the number of displayed artifacts increased from 60 to 300, enhancing the visitor experience. The historic tradition of collecting dust from the relics continues, with particles carefully stored in a designated chamber.
As preparations continue for the Ramadan, the Chamber of the Holy Relics in Topkapi Palace has introduced new initiatives to enhance the visitor experience. With its vast collection of relics, including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and other holy items, this remarkable space attracts visitors from all over the world.
These updates are expected to draw even more visitors to the Chamber of the Holy Relics, solidifying its role as a central spiritual and cultural landmark in Istanbul during Ramadan.
