Murat Reis Mosque & Cemetery
Explore a historic Ottoman mosque, admiral's mausoleum, and ancient cemetery with centuries of stories etched in stone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Murat Reis Mosque & Cemetery
Best Time
Better visibility & safety
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic Ottoman mosque, admiral's mausoleum, and ancient cemetery with centuries of stories etched in stone.
"A poignant historical site with atmospheric gravestones, offering a unique glimpse into Ottoman past."
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees out of respect for this religious site. :pray:
🚶♀️ Tread Carefully
Some areas are under restoration. Watch your step, especially in the cemetery. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mausoleum of Murat Reis
Within the cemetery grounds
The final resting place of the famed Ottoman admiral, a significant historical monument.
Historic Ottoman Cemetery
Main cemetery area
Explore centuries-old gravestones and mausoleums, offering a glimpse into Ottoman history.
Mosque and Minaret
Adjacent to the cemetery
An ancient mosque with a minaret, though parts may be undergoing restoration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees out of respect for this religious site. :pray:
🚶♀️ Tread Carefully
Some areas are under restoration. Watch your step, especially in the cemetery. :athletic_shoe:
🕰️ Visit During Day
Best experienced in daylight for safety and to appreciate the historical details. :sunrise:
🤫 Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet demeanor; it's a place of remembrance and prayer. :personinlotus_position:
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees out of respect for this religious site. :pray:
🚶♀️ Tread Carefully
Some areas are under restoration. Watch your step, especially in the cemetery. :athletic_shoe:
🕰️ Visit During Day
Best experienced in daylight for safety and to appreciate the historical details. :sunrise:
🤫 Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet demeanor; it's a place of remembrance and prayer. :personinlotus_position:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This historic site offers a unique glimpse into Ottoman history with its mosque, mausoleum, and ancient cemetery. Visitors appreciate the historical significance and atmospheric gravestones, though some note varying levels of maintenance and a 'creepy' feel at night. It's a place of quiet contemplation and historical discovery.
"Beautiful mosque complex, the Mosque is not renovated but some buildings have been beautifully renewed. There are some very old mausoleums and the cemetery stones are impressive."
Prata do Povo
"Info found on the old Municipality of Rhodes website:
"On the harbour of Mandraki and the Kountourioti Square stands the Moslem Estate of Mourat Reis, named after the famous admiral of the Ottoman fleet, who died during the Ottoman siege of Rhodes in 1522 and was buried here. The group of buildings consists of the mausoleum, the mosque with its minaret, a fountain, the buildings of its lodgings- built during 1700 and 1925 – and a Muslim cemetery, containing two hundred graves and eight mausoleums. All the inscriptions of the graves have been documented by a specialist in ottoman language and culture.
The cemetery was used even before the ottoman conquest, while the byzantine temple of St Antony was situated in the area. The modern façade of the estate is due to the Italian intervention of 1926.
The buildings of the lodgings are granted to the Municipality of Rhodes for restoration and usage, while the mausoleum and the cemetery are open to the public.""
Angelos Pappas
"Really nice to enter the cemetery. The place is a bit left on its own, although there seems to be a restoration project ongoing, but that gives the place an extra charm."
Mark Vanautgaerden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The mosque and cemetery are located on Muratpasa, Antalya, Turkey. It's accessible by local transport or a short taxi ride from the city center. Parking might be limited, so consider public transport if available.
While it's a significant historical site, signage might be minimal. It's situated near the harbor of Mandraki and Kountourioti Square. Asking locals for directions to 'Murat Reis' can be helpful.
Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging. The area around the harbor can get busy. It's often easier to park a bit further and walk or take a short taxi ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no official entrance fee mentioned for the mausoleum and cemetery, making it generally accessible to the public. However, donations for upkeep are always appreciated.
Specific opening hours are not always clearly posted. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the site. Some sources suggest it's open to the public, but hours can be informal.
No advance booking is required as there is no formal ticketing system. You can visit freely during daylight hours.
The mosque is an ancient religious site. While it may be open for prayer, its accessibility and current use for services can vary. It's advisable to check locally if you intend to pray there.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic mausoleum of Admiral Murat Reis, an old Ottoman cemetery with numerous graves and mausoleums, and the mosque with its minaret. Some buildings are undergoing restoration.
Maintenance levels can vary. Some parts are beautifully renewed, while others are described as 'left on its own' and 'falling apart'. A restoration project is ongoing, adding to its charm for some.
Visitors have described the place as 'creepy at night'. It's strongly recommended to visit only during daylight hours for safety and to better appreciate the historical significance.
Photography is generally allowed, but always be respectful of the religious nature of the site and the presence of graves. Avoid intrusive photography.
It's named after Admiral Murat Reis, who died during the Ottoman siege of Rhodes in 1522 and is buried here. The cemetery predates the Ottoman conquest and holds significant historical value.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient gravestones and mausoleums in the cemetery offer unique photographic opportunities. The mosque and its minaret, especially during golden hour, can also be very picturesque.
While generally permitted, be mindful of the solemnity of the cemetery. Avoid taking photos of individuals without permission and focus on the architecture and historical elements.
This location is ideal for historical, architectural, and atmospheric photography. The weathered stones and ancient structures tell a story.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance
The complex comprises not only the mausoleum and mosque with its minaret but also includes former lodging buildings, a fountain, and a Muslim cemetery containing numerous graves and eight distinct mausoleums. The inscriptions on the graves have been meticulously documented by specialists in Ottoman language and culture, preserving valuable historical data. The modern facade of the estate, as it appears today, is a result of Italian interventions in 1926, adding another layer to its architectural evolution.
Despite its historical importance, the site's condition is a point of concern for many. While some structures have been beautifully renewed, others are described as being 'left on its own' and 'falling apart,' with restoration projects ongoing but not always fully completed.
Exploring the Cemetery
Many visitors find the cemetery to be a particularly evocative part of the complex. The inscriptions on the graves, though often weathered, speak to the lives of those buried there. The fact that the cemetery was in use even before the Ottoman conquest adds a layer of historical intrigue. Some describe the experience as 'creepy at night',
While the cemetery is open to the public, its upkeep is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. Some parts are well-maintained, showcasing the beauty of Ottoman funerary art, while others are in a state of disrepair. This unevenness can be a point of disappointment for some, but for others, it contributes to the site's raw, authentic charm. It's a place that invites quiet contemplation and a deep appreciation for history.
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