Arap Baba Mausoleum

Small mosque housing a mummified saint, said to grant wishes

The Arap Baba Mosque is a small 13th-century building near the centre of Harput. It is famous less for the architecture than for what lies in the crypt below: a mummified body, displayed under glass, said to be that of a 13th-century holy man who fasted himself to death.

The mummy is a genuine local cult site — visitors leave money and tie ribbons to the railings asking for help. The atmosphere is more village shrine than tourist attraction. Photos in the crypt are discouraged; dress modestly.

things to do religious landmark
A story
Arap Baba is a mummified body kept in a glass case in the basement of a small mosque — preserved, the locals say, by the dry mountain air. The story is that he died fasting during a famine and his body was left untouched as a miracle. Visitors still come to ask favours.

Other places in Things to Do