Sultan Mehmet VI’s Tomb in Damascus to Undergo Restoration
The 16th-century Sulaymaniyya Takiyya mosque complex is considered the most important Ottoman building in the Syrian capital
Reviving History in Sulaymaniyya Takiyya
Restoration efforts on the Sulaymaniyya Takiyya Complex in Damascus, which houses the tomb of the last Ottoman Sultan Mehmet VI (Vahdettin), are set to resume. Acting Charge d’Affaires Burhan Koroglu from the Turkish Embassy in Damascus announced on Monday that work on the iconic Ottoman-era complex, designed by master architect Mimar Sinan and commissioned by Sultan Suleiman I, will soon continue.
A Monument of Historical and Cultural Significance
The Sulaymaniyya Takiyya Complex is an architectural masterpiece constructed during the Ottoman era. Sultan Mehmet VI, the final ruler of the Ottoman Empire, was exiled in 1922 following his failed attempt to restore the caliphate. After his death in Sanremo, Italy, in May 1926, his daughter Sabiha Sultan funded his burial in the revered Sulaymaniyya Takiyya Mosque.
Restoration Challenges and Progress
Ghassan Ghanem, the project manager, explained that the $16 million restoration effort, initiated with contributions from Syrian foundations during the Assad regime, faced significant delays due to the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Despite completing 85% of the restoration, financing issues remain unresolved.
“We began this restoration three years ago with support from Syrian foundations, but funds have since stalled. We plan to reapply for support from the current government to complete this vital project,” said Ghanem.
Preserving a Shared Legacy
The restoration of the Sulaymaniyya Takiyya Complex not only honors the memory of Sultan Mehmet VI but also reinforces the enduring cultural and historical connections between Turkey and Syria. The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to preserving architectural heritage and shared history for future generations.
