Topkapi Palace prepares sacred relics for Ramadan visitors

The Sacred Relics Chamber, located in the Enderun Courtyard of Topkapi Palace, has completed preparations to host visitors during the holy month of Ramadan. The relics, which were brought to Istanbul after Sultan Selim I's Egyptian campaign in 1517, have been carefully preserved and displayed for centuries. As one of the most visited sections of Topkapi Palace, the Sacred Relics Chamber has been specially prepared for Ramadan. The sacred relics on display were made ready for visitation after completing maintenance and cleaning efforts. In a statement to the press, Dr. Yasin Yıldız, President of the National Palaces Directorate, congratulated the Islamic world on Ramadan and emphasized the significant interest the Sacred Relics and the Chamber of the Blessed Mantle (Hırka-i Saadet) receive during this period. Yıldız noted that these chambers are also of great interest to both local and foreign visitors outside Ramadan. He added, 'The heart of the Sacred Relics Chamber is, of course, the Prophet Muhammad's mantle.' Yıldız further pointed out that the preservation and maintenance of the sacred relics are an important part of the traditional practices at Topkapi Palace. He mentioned that the Ottoman sultans personally cared for the cleaning of the Blessed Mantle Chamber, and this tradition has been upheld by generations of staff at the palace. The Sacred Relics Chamber houses valuable artifacts, including personal items of the Prophet Muhammad and earlier prophets, caliphs, and companions. Notable pieces include the Blessed Mantle (Hırka-i Saadet), Prophet Muhammad's hair, his footprint, a tooth from the Battle of Uhud, letters, and his sword. It also displays items belonging to other prophets, such as Prophet Ibrahim's cooking pot, Prophet Musa's staff, and Prophet Yusuf's robe, as well as swords belonging to caliphs and companions, and the keys to the Kaaba. The preservation and maintenance of these relics are conducted by the National Palaces Object Conservation and Care Team, which is a pioneering effort in Turkey's museum sector. The team uses specialized vacuum devices with HEPA filters and horsehair brushes to carefully clean delicate items, including the sacred relics' cases and marble surfaces. Traditional methods are adhered to when collecting dust, which is then discarded into a dust pit outside the chamber. In 2023, significant renovations were made to the Sacred Relics Chamber, increasing the number of displayed artifacts from 60 to 300. After a long hiatus, the Mushaf attributed to Hazrat Osman was also reintroduced for public viewing. The 'Has Oda' (Special Room), which houses the Blessed Mantle, was opened to visitors for the first time as part of these efforts.

Topkapi Palace prepares sacred relics for Ramadan visitors

Topkapi Palace's Sacred Relics Chamber has completed preparations for Ramadan, ensuring the preservation and display of relics, including those of Prophet Muhammad, for visitors during the holy month.