Arap Şeyh Tomb is a small, free-to-visit shrine in Sivas's Paşabey Neighborhood housing the grave of Mecca-born Sheikh Abdullah al-Hashimi.
The Arap Şeyh Tomb stands on the street of the same name in Sivas's Paşabey Neighborhood. The figure buried in the tomb, whose full 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 locally known simply as Arap Şeyh (the Arab Sheikh), which also gave its name to the nearby mosque and street.
This site holds a special place in the history of Sivas. According to historical sources, while Arap Şeyh was not among the delegates of the Sivas Congress, Mustafa Kemal Pasha walked alone to visit him a week after the congress concluded. This historical detail elevates the tomb beyond a standard grave, connecting it directly to Turkey's modern history.
Today, the shrine is frequented by visitors who come to offer prayers and make wishes. Do not expect a grand monument or museum; it is a modest neighborhood shrine where local visitation traditions continue. It serves as a brief and meaningful stop to add to your itinerary while exploring the major historic sites in central Sivas.
Who Was Arap Şeyh?
The actual name of the figure resting in the tomb is Sheikh Abdullah al-Hashimi. Born in Mecca on July 1, 1829, he spent part of his life in Sivas and passed away here on October 13, 1922. Because of his Meccan origin, locals affectionately called him Arap Şeyh (the Arab Sheikh), and over time, his name was given to both the neighboring mosque and the street.
When to Visit?
The tomb is small and unaffected by outdoor weather conditions, making it suitable for visits throughout the year. If you prefer to avoid the summer midday heat, morning or late afternoon hours are ideal. Since it is not a crowded tourist hotspot, there are no peak rush hours.
How to Get There?
Reaching Paşabey Neighborhood from Sivas city center takes only a short time. You can arrive via local taxi or on foot; the shrine sits on Arap Şeyh Street, in the same area as the mosque. Its location makes it easy to incorporate into your city center historical itinerary.
Location in the City
The tomb stands on the remains of an old cemetery in one of Sivas's lively residential neighborhoods. Although off the main tourist routes, it is well-known as a place where local residents still stop by to pray and make wishes.
How to Add It to Your Itinerary
After visiting central landmarks in Sivas such as Çifte Minareli Medrese, Gök Medrese, and the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), you can take a brief detour to Paşabey Neighborhood to see Arap Şeyh Tomb. As it requires only a short stop, it integrates seamlessly without disrupting your main route.
Things to Know
The tomb does not have official visiting hours or formal museum arrangements; it functions as a local community shrine. Demonstrating respectful behavior during your visit and being mindful of prayer times at the adjacent mosque is appreciated.
How Much Time to Spend?
Given the small size of the tomb, a visit rarely exceeds 10–15 minutes. If you are planning a one-day Sivas city tour, you can add this quick stop to your afternoon free time.
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