Tomb of Suleyman Shah

The Tomb of Suleyman Shah is a significant historical and symbolic site deeply rooted in the heritage of Turkey, despite its location in Syria. Suleyman Shah was the grandfather of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his mausoleum has long been a revered monument for Turks. The tomb, which is technically Turkish sovereign territory under the Treaty of Ankara signed with France in 1921, is an enclave in Syria, reflecting the complex historical ties between the two nations.

This mausoleum has been subject to the ebbs and flows of regional politics and conflict. Its precarious location near the volatile Syrian-Turkish border has meant that it has sometimes found itself in the midst of strife, including the Syrian Civil War. In 2014, the site was temporarily relocated to a safer area to protect it from potential harm due to the conflict.

Despite the challenges, the Tomb of Suleyman Shah remains a poignant symbol of the Ottoman legacy and Turkish sovereignty. The site consists of the tomb itself, along with a few outbuildings and a ceremonial flagpole flying the Turkish flag. Its cultural and historical significance is underscored by the fact that it is the only Turkish territory outside of its current national borders, and it is guarded by Turkish soldiers, emphasizing the enduring connection between Turkey and the resting place of one of its founding ancestors.