Designed by Mimar Sinan and constructed around 1572, this türbe was part of a külliye commissioned by Ottoman statesman Sokullu Mehmet Paşa (c 1506–79). Assassinated in 1579, he was buried here next to his wife Ismihan, the daughter of Sultan Selim II. Inside, the stained glass is particularly noteworthy. The külliye 's medrese, which is nearby, is currently under restoration.
Sokullu Mehmet Paşa's life story is fascinating. Born in Bosnia, he was captured by Ottoman troops and recruited into the devşirme, the annual intake of Christian youths into the janisseries (this also happened to Sinan). After converting to Islam he rose through the ranks, holding important positions such as high admiral of the fleet, before becoming grand vizier for 14 years under two sultans: Süleyman the Magnificent and Selim II. During his time in office he amassed a great fortune and commissioned religious buildings including the Sokullu Şehit Mehmet Paşa Mosque in Sultanahmet.
