Zincirlikuyu Cemetery

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Beneath the sobering inscription “Her canlı ölümü tadacaktır” (Every living being shall taste death) at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery lies a fascinating story. Zincirlikuyu Cemetery isn’t your typical burial ground. It’s a modern cemetery. It’s a who’s who of Turkish society. Opened in the 1950s along Istanbul’s bustling Büyükdere Avenue, Zincirlikuyu Cemetery quickly became the final resting place for many prominent figures. This isn’t just a place of mourning. It’s a reflection of Turkey’s rich and diverse tapestry of life. As you wander through the grounds of Zincirlikuyu Cemetery, you’ll encounter names that shaped Turkey’s political landscape. You’ll see the graves of business tycoons like Vehbi Koç and Sakıp Sabancı, who built empires and left lasting legacies. The world of arts and sports is also well-represented here, with prominent figures like authors Sait Faik Abasıyanık and Orhan Kemal, and beloved actor Kemal Sunal finding their final rest. Even the beloved arabesk singer Müslüm Gürses rests here. The cemetery is a testament to the lives that have shaped Turkish society. In 2004, a mosque, generously donated by entrepreneur İbrahim Bodur, was opened within the cemetery grounds. This mosque, with its capacity of 500 people, serves as a dedicated space for burial prayers. It’s a place where the living can come to pay respects and offer final farewells amidst the serene backdrop of Zincirlikuyu. Zincirlikuyu Cemetery stands as a unique blend of history, culture, and remembrance. It is a place where the stories of Turkey’s past intertwine with the tranquility of the present.

The story of Zincirlikuyu Cemetery in Istanbul is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Istanbul and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Istanbul in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Istanbul with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Istanbul – only with Explory.

More Places in Istanbul

Yusuf Dede Camii

The elegant Yusuf Dede Camii stands before us. Its single minaret reaches for the sky. A testament to Istanbul’s rich

Explore

Barbaros Hayrettin Cami

Completed in 2023, the Barbaros Hayrettin Cami stands as a testament to modern mosque architecture. President Erdogan himself opened its

Explore

Merkez Efendi Cami

Slipping through time’s veil, we find ourselves at Merkez Efendi Cami. This isn’t just a mosque. It’s a story etched

Explore

Ahmet Dede Camii

Slipping through time, let’s journey back to 1722. Imagine Istanbul’s Üsküdar district, a place where the Bosphorus whispers secrets to

Explore