Martyrs' Cemetery Istanbul

The 18 Sekban

Zekeriya from Istanbul

"The "Martyrs' Cemetery" is mostly visited by Istanbul locals and isn't mentioned in most guidebooks. But if you, like me, enjoy the city's history, it's a must."

Sekban means the "keepers of the royal". 18 of them fell to their death during the conquest of Constantinople. They were the royal soldiers of Fatih Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Everyone knows about the story of the Conquest of Constantinople one way or the other. Through legends, stories, heroes, defeats and religion. But we never step back to observe and perceive what is actually left behind.

This cemetery was once deserted and left to its fate. During a certain period it was even used as a garbage disposal area. Thank God it has now been cleaned up and cleared for people to visit and pay their respects. It's a location for mostly locals and not much visited by travellers as it's not mentioned in most of the guidebooks. Due to the interest factor I presume. But for people like me who like history and to pay their respect to people who have left this world fighting a cause, I believe this is a nice peaceful location to visit. It's just beside "Kadı Hüsameddin Çamaşırcı Hacı Mustafa Efendi 18 Sekbanlar Mosque".

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Istanbul Spotter Zekeriya

About me I am devoted to culture; to experience the "other" ways of living, eating, observing and travel. I believe that mutual language is to understand the culture of others. I am a devotee for travel, music and photography. I love to experience world music as well, the music out there that opens up the minds and crushes down boundaries. Why Istanbul? Because Istanbul is unique... Athens, Alexandria, Antioch, Rome, or those that have come after, such as Baghdad and Damascus... These are cities with mono-culture, cities that do not host a historical continuity o...

About this spot

Kadı Hüsameddin Çamaşırcı Hacı Mustafa Efendi 18 Sekbanlar Cami Kemal Paşa Mh., Fatih

free

Oct 29, 2025

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