Gül Baba and Rosegarden - The Secrets of The Amazing Turkish Tomb

Have you ever heard of Gül Baba's turbe and Rosegarden (or the Tomb of Gül Baba)? It's a lesser-known monument for many, so it's still one of the more secluded sites, but perhaps one of the most unique places in Budapest is Gül Baba's tomb and the Rosegarden. Surrounded by a beautiful garden and recently restored, the tomb pays homage to an Ottoman poet and philosopher who died shortly after the Turkish conquest of Buda.

Just a few minutes' walk from the Buda side of the Margaret Bridge, you can walk all the way to the Danube and admire the beautiful panoramic view of Buda.

Who was Gül Baba?

Gül Baba was a follower of the Bektas order, whose members were both soldiers and Muslim monks. He was considered a kind-hearted man who performed many good deeds. In 1541 the Turks conquered Buda and Gül Baba was in the army because he wanted to found a Muslim monastery in the city. However, he did not succeed.

After their victory, the Turks held a service in the Matthias Church, which had been converted into a mosque. Gül Baba died unexpectedly during the service on 2 September. He was a respected man and a solemn funeral was organised for him. Even the Sultan Suleiman helped to carry the coffin. Gül Baba was also known as the "Father of Roses" because he always wore a rose on his turban.

His character was extremely mysterious and there is still speculation about his vocation. One legend, for example, has it that he sold perfume. The origin and meaning of his name are variously explained. Most accept the name Father of Roses, others say he was called Kel Baba. The word 'kel' means bald, and Turkish monks always shaved their heads. His name was changed to "Gül" when rose bushes began to grow around his tomb (Gül Baba and Rosegarden).

Most of the speculation has to do with his passion for roses. It is said that he learned all the secrets of making the perfume from a Muslim Bulgarian rose oil producer. He brought rose seeds to Buda hidden in a big-eyed rosary. Unfortunately, during the fighting, he was no longer able to plant these seeds, so they were scattered around his grave after his death, from which beautiful roses grew. These can still be admired to this day by the Gül Baba's Turbe and Rosegarden.

Gül Baba was a noble, good-hearted Dervish, who was wounded during the siege of Buda Castle and later died in the Matthias Church, which he converted into a mosque (house of prayer). The tomb above his grave was built by the third pasha of Buda.

Historical overview of Gül Baba and Rosegarden

The Sultan assigned members of the Bektas order to build an Islamic religious centre near the city before the arrival of the army. The members of the order were usually priests and dervishes, but sometimes they also performed military duties. Their leader was Gül Baba, who was known for his piety, poetry and love of nature. 

After Suleiman reached Buda in August, he asked the queen for a peaceful surrender in exchange for the eastern half of the country. The Turkish army thus captured the capital on 29 August 1541. On 2 September, while preaching a sermon, Gül Baba died unexpectedly.

There are many theories about his death, some say he was very old, others that he was wounded in the battle and his death was the best gift Allah could have given him. His body was laid to rest in the tomb garden, the place where we can find Gül Baba and Rosegarden today.

The chapel was built in 1543-1548. Since its desecration, the tomb has become a place of pilgrimage and is visited by foreigners. The tomb is considered one of the oldest sacred sites in Islam. It was built during the 5th or 6th empire and is considered the northernmost Islamic holy site.

Buda was retaken in 1686. After the Turks withdrew, the Jesuits took possession of the area, including the tomb, which was consecrated in honour of St Joseph and converted into a Christian chapel. The lead dome was removed and a shingle roof was put on. Two oval windows were opened in the wall. After the dissolution of the Jesuit order in 1773, the hillside came under the jurisdiction of the city.

The chapel was declared a monument in 1914 and restoration work began. Researchers found a body, identified as Gül Baba. On 1 July 1915, Gül Baba's remains were ceremonially reinterred and the tomb was sealed.

The restoration was completed in 1918 and the Gül Baba's Turbe monument was opened to Muslim pilgrims.

During the Second World War, the castle surrounding the tomb was bombed, but fortunately this saved the tomb from severe damage. In the early 1960s, restoration work was carried out: the dome was replaced and the two window openings were walled in. In the early 1970s, a terrace was built around the tomb.

By the early 1990s, the state of the monument had become critical. Tamás Pintér was commissioned to prepare restoration plans, which were financed by the Turkish authorities. The restoration included the construction of a portico, the marble covering of two fountains and the creation of a genuine Turkish café and exhibition area for visiting Muslim tourists and pilgrims. The grand opening ceremony took place on 21 August 2000 and the mystical atmosphere of this place has been open to visitors ever since and so Gül Baba and Rosegarden are waiting for their visitors

The renewal of the turbe

In 2018, Gül Baba's turret was renovated and the rose garden was enlarged and a wonderful promenade was built. The renovated building also won two awards for excellence at the 2020 Prix d'Excellence, the International Real Estate Federation's award ceremony for the most prestigious projects from around the world. The monument, which was completely renovated in 2018 in partnership between the Turkish and Hungarian governments, won the Gold Award in the Public Infrastructure category and the Silver Award in the Heritage category.

The architectural restoration of the cemetery has resulted in the comfort of visitors. A conference room, exhibition space and a café allow cultural events to be organised on site The unique, modern design of the historical site, which now incorporates 21st century technology, ensures that visitors can meet all their needs and absorb a small slice of Turkish-Hungarian history during their visit. 

How can you get to Gül Baba and Rosegarden?

We suggest you walk up to the tomb via Mosque Street! The entrance to this street is very close to the Buda end of the Margaret Bridge. As you walk uphill, you will soon see the hanging garden on your left. After visiting the Tomb Garden, the best way down is via Gül Baba Street. This is the steepest street in Budapest and has a very unique atmosphere, so it's not to be missed.

You can visit the tomb of Gül Baba at any time, as it is always open to visitors. And the entry is free of charge!

Site location: Gül Baba's Turbe and Rosegarden (1023 Budapest, Mecset u. 14.)

GPS coordinates: 47.515960, 19.034897

Google Photos: Click here

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