Mount Bulgurlu and Skutari’s Sacred Resting Places

Mount Bulgurlu, towering 850 feet above sea level in Skutari, offers a captivating experience with its panoramic views of the city, the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmora, Thrace’s valleys, and the valleys and mountains of Central Asia Minor. Accessible by carriage within an hour, the ascent near the summit becomes steep for carriages, requiring the last part to be covered on foot. At the top, visitors can enjoy coffee, lemonade, and the purest water in Constantinople. The Imperial Kiosk, constructed in 1660 by Muhammad IV, now serves as the residence of Yussuf Ized-din Effendi, eldest son of the late Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz Skutari.

A Majestic Vista

The Turkish Cemetery, the largest burial ground in Constantinople, is traversed by the road connecting Bulgurlu to the British Cemetery and Kadi Kqui. It holds prominence due to Muslim preferences for burial on the side of the water clos

A Journey into the Past

Kusgunjuk, the following village, named after Kusgun-baba, a saint who lived during Muhammad II.’s time, is predominantly inhabited by Jews, serving as the residence of the Chief Rabbi. Just below the village lies Okuz-Liman (‘ox-haven’) [see pp. 180, 181]. This location once housed the stone statue erected by the Byzantines for Damalis, wife of Athenian general Chares, whose name translates to ‘heifer.’

Kusgunjuk Tracing History and Culture

The subsequent stop is Skutari, or more accurately Uskudar. This area holds significance for Britons due to Miss Florence Nightingale’s dedicated service to British wounded soldiers from the Crimea. While the village may lack visual appeal, it is worth exploring for the Howling Dervishes’ convent, Thursday afternoon performances, Mount Bulgurlu’s panoramic views, and visits to the Turkish and British Cemeteries. Additionally, Skutari provides travele

Glimpse into Ottoman Grandeur

Selim, it is said, changed his mind after three years. Upon learning from the Bostanji-bashi that his son’s sentence had not been carried out, he relented, releasing Suleiman and restoring him to favor. Suleiman, upon ascending the throne, constructed a palace in the village Mount Bulgurlu. As a remembrance of his captivity and rescue, he personally planted a cypress tree. At Kulehli, various Roman and Byzantine artifacts, including tombs, columns, and marbles with crosses, were discovered. These findings are believed to be remnants of the ancient palace converted by Theodora, wife of Justinian, into the nunnery of Our Lady of Repentance for fallen women.

Kulehli Unveiling Ancient Splendors

Moving forward from Kulehli, we encounter Chenghel Keui, a place of no particular significance. Beylerbey follows, once a favored water-side retreat for the Byzantines and now an exclusively Turkish villag