Permanent Exhibition of Gül Baba’s Tomb
The permanent exhibition focuses on the historical figure of Gül Baba, the history of the tomb, and the depiction of 16th-century Hungary during the Ottoman era. The exhibition is highly popular and well-attended, attracting several thousand visitors each month since its opening in October 2018.The basement rooms of the former Wagner villa, located near Gül Baba’s Tomb, were restored during recent heritage preservation efforts, allowing visitors to explore spaces that had been completely inaccessible for several decades before 2018. Today, this area hosts a comprehensive and engaging exhibition, created through Turkish-Hungarian collaboration, which highlights key chapters of the conquest, Turkish-Hungarian relations, and the history of Gül Baba’s Tomb.The exhibition includes artifacts from the 15th and 16th centuries. Visitors can also explore the world of dervishes through 19th-century objects used in Buda during the Ottoman occupation, as well as life-size wax statues. Moving forward in time, the exhibition showcases items from the turn of the 20th century, which were donated to the Gül Baba’s Tomb by the Ottoman palace. Finally, visitors can learn about the legends surrounding Gül Baba’s life that emerged during the 20th century.
The exhibition is organised in cooperation with the Gül Baba Heritage Foundation, TİKA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Traditional Turkish Ebru – paper marbling exhibition at the Gül Baba’s Tomb until 31 May 2025
Starting on 14 November 2024, the exhibition of Orsolya Takács, a renowned paper marbling artist, will be on display at Gül Baba’s Tomb. Orsolya Takács specializes in traditional Turkish ebru art, also known as paper marbling, which she studied for more than seven years under the guidance of her esteemed teacher, Ertuğrul İncel. Since 2017, the artist has traveled annually to Istanbul to further develop her skills and knowledge. Her work reflects a profound respect for tradition.Ebru, also known as paper marbling, is a traditional Turkish art form that originated in Central Asia and dates back to the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. Initially used for decorating books, inside covers, and endpapers, ebru evolved into an independent art form. The technique involves painting directly onto the surface of water in a shallow tray. Once the design is complete, a sheet of paper is carefully placed on the surface to transfer the design from water to paper.The exhibition highlights the rich cultural heritage of Ebru, emphasizing the delicate balance between craftsmanship and spirituality. Its central motif is the tulip, a symbol deeply rooted in Ottoman culture, often regarded as a reflection of purity and divine beauty.
The exhibition is organised in cooperation with the Gül Baba Heritage Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.