Tomb of Ökkeşiye Hazretleri

The Tomb of Ökkeşiye (Ukkaşe) Hazretleri is a religious pilgrimage site located near the Nurdağı district of Gaziantep. The tomb sits on a hill surrounded by greenery on the left side of the road, shortly after passing Sakçagözü while traveling from Gaziantep toward Adana, and before reaching Nurdağı. This site is attributed to Ökkeş or Ökkeşiye Hazretleri, after whom thousands of people in the Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep regions have been named.

Tomb of Ukkaşe Hazretleri – Nurdağı (Culture Portal)

Historical and Religious Significance

Ökkeşiye Hazretleri is widely regarded as one of the Companions of the Prophet and one of the five individuals martyred during the Muslim conquest of Gaziantep. The area where the tomb stands is commonly referred to by the local population as “Ökkeşiye.” According to traditions, there are wells beneath the tomb, several meters deep, containing water.

In Islamic belief, those who witnessed the Seal of Prophethood on the body of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were promised paradise. Narrations recount that during the reconciliation following the Farewell Sermon, Ökkeşiye Hazretleri sought retribution from the Prophet, who then revealed the Seal of Prophethood on his back. Ökkeşiye Hazretleri kissed it and was thus promised paradise.

Tomb of Ukkaşe Hazretleri (Nurdağı Municipality)

Folk Beliefs and Pilgrimage Culture

The Tomb of Ökkeşiye Hazretleri is visited by many people seeking blessings, especially families without sons. Visitors offer prayers, sacrifice animals as vows, and make supplications to Allah for the acceptance of their prayers. It is a traditional custom to name male children born after such visits “Ökkeş.”

Tomb of Ukkaşe Hazretleri (Anadolu Agency)

Reconstruction of the Tomb

The tomb suffered severe damage and was destroyed in the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023. Following the disaster, reconstruction began under the leadership of the General Directorate of Foundations, with support from benefactors. Nurdağı Mayor Mehmet Yıldırır stated that the majority of the tomb has been rebuilt and that it will reopen for worship shortly after restoration work is completed.