How do I go to The Tomb of Ertugrul in Turkey

 

Dirilis:Ertugrul, the hugely loved Turkish historical-drama which is set in the 13th century of Anatolia in the final days of the establishment of the Ottoman Empire. The series has a large fan base beyond Turkey also, inciting a variety of fan pages on Facebook along with memes (including an Facebook site dedicated to the series) and there is no shortage of jokes that are based on the double meaning of "bey" (including this title).

While it's true that the show is dramatized the series is based on real life stories of real people. This includes Ertugrul Gazi, who was the grandfather of Osman I, the founder of his empire, the Ottoman Empire, and his colleagues. Being a huge fan, I set out to learn more about the people featured in the show, and also visit their graves in Turkey.

What was Ertugrul?

Ertugrul Gazi, the character on which the popular show is on is the child of Suleyman Shah, leader of the nomadic Kayi tribe of the steppes region of Central Asia. In the early 13th century it is believed that Ertugrul led his tribe in retreating from the region in order to avoid the terror of Mongol assaults, only to drown when crossing over the Euphrates towards Syria. The family was then split two sons led the majority their family back home to Horasan to join Mongol military service. Meanwhile, a third brother, Ertugrul, led the others to the west, towards Anatolia. 1

At the time during his time, there was a conflict between the Byzantines along with Seljuks Seljuks were two major rival powersthat fought to control Anatolia and the Mongols. According to the traditional version of the events, Ertugrul brought 400 followers to the service of the Seljuks in order to assist both Byzantines to the west as well as the Mongols within the eastern region). Ertugrul, as a result, was recognized for his work through the Seljuk Sultan of Konya and was granted the land in the western part of Anatolia including the two smaller district that comprised Domanic as well as Domanic.

According to the widely accepted version, Ertugrul Gazi is thought to have dreamed of an enlightened and secure nation for all peoples, Muslim and non, alike. A state that was based in the values that governed the Islamic faith, as well as justice and fairness for everyone. This new "homeland" became the foundation of what would become the Ottoman Empire.

Ertugrul is believed to have died during the time of Sogut in the year 90, in the 1290's in the latter half of the century.

Does the show on TV accurate?

There aren't many contemporary documents from this time period, as well as conflicting stories from a later time it is impossible to confirm the authenticity of the account. Indeed, some sources doubt the Kayi connection to the Seljuks and suggest that these had been "rootless wanderers" who sold their souls to anyone who wanted them " further, it was a long time after, after the Ottomans were able to establish their empire that they promoted the notion that their ancestors were in Anatolia with the intention of becoming military leaders within the Seljuk service, not being common nomads, to further strengthen their claim to power." 2

The first-hand accounts of the lives of Ertugrul as well as Osman are scarce. Their stories about their life and struggles were transmitted verbally and through books written by their time. This is why historians have a difficult time to determine the truth from mythology. As it pertains to the television series concerns, the artistic licence must also be considered.

For more details on how accurate the history (or the lack of it) that the series has, check out "Is Dirilis: Ertugrul Historically Accurate? (Part One - the Kayi Tribe)'

What is Ertugrul in the ground?

As we've discovered, there isn't much accurate historical information regarding Ertugrul Ghazi , but the location of his grave is well-known and draws many people.

Ertugrul died on the island of Sogut where he is laid to rest in Sogut along with several of his fellow contemporaries (who are also in The show).

Who else is able to be visited?

Apart from Ertugrul him-self, graves of his wives Halima and Ertugrul's older sister Dundar Bey and Samsa Alp are close by.

Son of Osman I., for whom the Ottoman Dynasty is named, is situated near Bursa as well as Turgut Alp, one his closest advisers and close friends is at Inegol Inegol, which is about an hour's drive of Sogut. Both have 'honorary' headstones that are located near the grave of Ertugrul.

Itinerary

Sogut , Bursa and Inegol can all be explored during a day trip out of Istanbul. I started my journey from Istanbul at 8am, and returned around 8pm.

It is recommended to travel via vehicle. While Sogut is fairly easy to access, given that it is well-signposted (as is the tomb of Ertugrul) If you are planning on traveling to Inegol and Bursa I'd suggest hiring drivers.

Sogut It is the Tomb of Ertugrul gazi and Others

This mausoleum for Ertugrul Gazi is believed to have been constructed in the name of his nephew and son Osman I, but it was rebuilt numerous times afterward. The present structure, with its hexagonal design was built in the Sultan Abdul Hamid II in the late 19 the century.

Etrugrul's mausoleum is situated in a bigger cemetery with are the burials that his wife Halima Sultan as well as his the younger brothers Dundar Bey and Samsa the Alp. There is also an honorary burial for Turgut Alp. His actual burial, as we'll be able to see, is located in Inegol.

The mausoleum usually opens between 9am and 5pm.

Inegol: Turgut Alp

Turgut Alp was considered a legendary warrior, who was also a ally of Ertugrul and later, his predecessor, Osman I. When he established his sultanate Osman Gazi named Turgut Alp as one of his governors in an area known as Inegol and its adjacent areas. The governor ruled the territory for 36 years and then, after his death was laid to rest in a peaceful and modest burial site in the mountains close to Inegol located in a hamlet called Turgut Alp (Genco) village.

Bursa Osman I

In his time, Ertugrul christened the son of his Osman in the title of Bey belonging to Kayi. Kayi tribe. Osman continued his father's struggle and finally established an Ottoman state in 1299. The state would continue expand, and following the defeat by Constantinople in 1453 would be officially named The Ottoman Empire. As with his father the information on his existence is not available.

Osman Gazi died in 1324 in the midst of the battle of Bursa which was a town located in the modern current Turkey. He was originally cremated in Sogut with his father. but when Bursa was destroyed in 1324 by the son of Osman, Orhan his body was transferred to Bursa in accordance with his final will.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the tale of Ertugrul visiting the tombs in person, as well as the efforts made to preserve the memory of the individuals who were buried, made an indelible impression. The stories of courage and sacrifice of these individuals have ensured, seven centuries after their death that their names will be preserved and honored.

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