Tomb of Gül Baba II

Viziváros
Budapest
Budapest
Hungary
36-1-326-0062

http://www.btm.hu

Type: Religious Site
Addmission Fee: 400 HUF adults.
Hours: Open 10 am to 6 pm daily; Oct 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Mon.

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However, for the moment, we will walk up to Mártírok utca, better known as Margit Körút, and, instead of heading across the bridge, for now turn left and walk straight up the hill to Margit út, following it around toward Margit ter. Once again, history tells us of the peril of the people. This street is named after the martyrs killed while held in a military prison established here during the White Terror of Admiral Horthy’s inter-war regime. And, ironically, Margit út itself is bordered by another symbol of ancient occupation. You will shortly come to Mecset út, which will take you to a Muslim shrine, the tomb of Gül Baba II. The bellicose and dynamic dervish was a member of the proclaimed Bektashi order. A life of distinguished command finally led to his service in the takeover of Buda by the Turks in 1541. The victory of the Turks led to the transformation of Mátyás Church in one night, to serve as a Mosque for thanksgiving the next day. Providentially, Gül Baba suffered a stroke during the ceremony. Pasha Mohammed ordered a magnificent burial for the great hero of the Turks, and built this octagonal structure surrounded by roses. Now, to know the rest of the story, Gül Baba means Father of the Roses in Turkish. Legends say he was responsible for the great harvest of roses that adorned the hill behind him, which in Hungarian is called Roszadom (Rose Hill). The reality is that he was quite bloodthirsty, and could very well have painted many roses red with blood, but it is hardly conceivable that he could have planted any! Back toward Fõ utca, however, bearing north, you are on the other side of Margit Körút. Now, at Bécsi út turn left and head north to Frankel Leó út. While the Turks have not left a great deal behind to show for their 145-year occupation, on this street is one of their more famous inheritances.