The Arap Sheikh Tomb is a small, free-to-visit pilgrimage tomb located in Sivas's Paşabey Neighborhood, housing the grave of Sheikh Abdullah al-Hashimi, who was born in Mecca.
The Arap Sheikh Tomb stands in Sivas's Paşabey Neighborhood, on the street that bears its name. The person buried in the tomb, whose real name was Sheikh Abdullah al-Hashimi, was born in Mecca on July 1, 1829, lived a long life, and passed away in Sivas on October 13, 1922. He is commonly known among the public simply as Arap Sheikh; the mosque and the street also take their names from him.
The site holds a special place in Sivas's history. According to sources, Arap Sheikh was not among the delegates of the Sivas Congress, but he was one of the individuals Mustafa Kemal Pasha visited alone, walking, a week after the congress. This detail elevates the tomb from an ordinary burial site and connects it to the city's recent history.
Today, the tomb is a frequent stop for visitors who come with various wishes and intentions. Do not expect a grand monument or museum; it is a simple, small structure within a neighborhood, where the culture of pilgrimage continues. It can be a brief stop added to your itinerary while exploring the major historical sites in central Sivas.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Sivas historical places, Hafik Lake.
Guide's Note
Who is Arap Sheikh?
The person in the tomb is Sheikh Abdullah al-Hashimi. He was born in Mecca on July 1, 1829, spent part of his life in Sivas, and passed away here on October 13, 1922. Because he was from Mecca, he was known among the public by the nickname Arap Sheikh, and over time, this name was also given to the mosque and street in the neighborhood.
When to Visit?
The tomb is small and not affected by outdoor conditions; it can be visited in any season of the year. If you want to avoid the midday heat in summer, you can choose morning or late afternoon hours. Since it is not a crowded tourist spot, there is no specific peak hour.
How to Get There?
Getting to Paşabey Neighborhood from Sivas city center is a short journey. It can be reached by city taxi or on foot; it is located on Arap Sheikh Street, in the same area as the mosque. It is in a convenient location that can easily be added to your plan for visiting historical sites in the center.
Its Place in the City
The tomb stands on the remains of an old cemetery area in one of Sivas's living neighborhoods. Although it is outside the major tourist routes, it is known as a spot still visited by neighborhood residents to make wishes or intentions.
How to Add to Your Itinerary?
After visiting central points in Sivas such as the Çifte Minareli Medrese, Gök Medrese, and Ulu Cami, you can make a short detour to Paşabey Neighborhood to see the Arap Sheikh Tomb. Since it is a brief stop, it can be added without disrupting the main route.
Things to Know
There are no official visiting hours or museum-like regulations for the tomb; it functions as a neighborhood pilgrimage site. It is advisable to show respect when you visit, especially considering that the mosque is in the same area during prayer times.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
Since the tomb is small, a visit usually does not exceed 10-15 minutes. If you are planning a one-day city tour in Sivas, you can add this stop as part of your program, for example, during free time in the afternoon.
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