Perched 200 meters above the azure waters of the Asian coast of the Bosphorus, Prophet Joshua Hill and his tomb (Hz. Yuşa) stands as a sacred hill in the district of Anadolu Kavagi, Beykoz, Istanbul. Legend has it that this hill houses the tomb of Prophet Joshua (c. 1082-972 BCE). A must-visit for those journeying through Anadolu Kavağı and Beykoz, Joshua Hill not only offers a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus but also claims the title of Istanbul’s second-highest peak, following Camlica Hill.
About the Joshua Hill Istanbul – Tomb of Prophet Joshua
Tomb of Prophet Joshua and Joshua Hill Istanbul emerge as a significant sacred site, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Nestled atop one of Istanbul’s highest points, this hill cradles the tomb of Prophet Joshua, believed to be one of the spiritual guardians of the Bosphorus.
Adjacent to the tomb is Yuşa Camii (Yuşa Mosque), commissioned by Grand Vizier Yirmisekiz Çelebizade Mehmet Sait Paşa in 1755. While the mosque suffered damage in a fire, it underwent restoration during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz in 1863, preserving its historical and spiritual significance.
At the summit, you’ll find the tomb, a fountain, and a mosque. The elongated structure of the tomb is revered as the final resting place of Prophet Joshua. According to legend, Hazreti Yuşa, who descended from the lineage of Prophet Joseph and lived during the same era as Prophet Moses, embarked on historical and mysterious journeys alongside Hazreti Musa. The discovery of his grave is credited to Yahya Efendi, the milk brother of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent.
Historical Significance of Joshua Hill Istanbul
The grounds encompassing Joshua Hill have held sacred reverence throughout history, witnessing the construction of temples and sanctuaries by various civilizations. In ancient times, this site was home to the Temple of Zeus. During the Byzantine era, the temple underwent a transformation into a church named Hagios Michael, only to be toppled by the colossal earthquake of 1509.
In the Ottoman Empire era, the landscape changed in 1755 when Grand Vizier 28th Çelebizade Mehmet Sait Paşa commissioned the construction of a mosque on the hill. Simultaneously, a wall was erected around the tomb, believed by locals to belong to Prophet Joshua.
Yuşa Camii (Yuşa Mosque) experienced a faithful restoration in 1863 after a fire during Sultan Abdülaziz’s reign, preserving its authenticity. Post-1990s, initiatives led by the Beykoz Mufti’s Office saw the addition of social and cultural facilities such as lodgings, a cultural center, a library, a dining hall, and a fountain, all meticulously developed to revive and enhance the mosque and its surroundings.
Tomb of Prophet Joshua and Joshua Hill stand today as a sacred sanctuary, particularly recommended for visits during the holy month of Ramadan, embodying a harmonious blend of history, spirituality, and architectural splendor.
How to get to Prophet Joshua Hill?
For getting to the Tomb of Prophet Joshua and Joshua Hill in the district of Anadolu Kavağı, Beykoz, the most convenient and swift route involves boarding Bus 15A departing from Üsküdar. Get off at Doğu Kapısı Durağı, and from there, a pleasant walk takes you to the summit of Joshua Hill.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Situated approximately 4 km away, Anadolu Kavağı ferry terminal also offers access to Tomb of Prophet Joshua and Joshua Hill. Ferries to Anadolu Kavağı include the Anadolu Kavağı – Üsküdar route, passing through scenic stops like Beykoz, Çubuklu, Kanlıca, Anadolu Hisarı, Çengelköy, Beylerbeyi, and finally Üsküdar.
For those arriving from various parts of Istanbul:
From the Anatolian Side:
Kadıköy:
- Get off at Sedir Sokak station using Bus 15BK.
- Cross over and take Bus 15A from Kavacık Transfer Center to reach Yuşa Tepesi station.
Üsküdar:
- Get off at Beykoz station using Bus 15F.
- Transfer to Bus 15A to reach Yuşa Tepesi station.
Ümraniye:
- Get off at Beykoz station using Bus 11H.
- Transfer to Bus 15A to reach Yuşa Tepesi station.
Kartal, Maltepe, Pendik, Tuzla:
- Get off at Kavacık Köprüsü station using Bus 500T.
- Ascend towards the bus stop, board Bus 15A, and reach Yuşa Tepesi station.
From the European Side:
Büyükçekmece, Beylikdüzü, Avcılar, Küçükçekmece, Bahçelievler:
- Board the metrobus from any station.
- Get off at Mecidiyeköy, transfer to Bus 121B.
- Reach the final stop, board Bus 15A, and alight at Yuşa Tepesi station.
Esenler, Bayrampaşa:
- Take the Yenikapı-Havalimanı metro, exit at Merter.
- Transfer to the metrobus towards Mecidiyeköy.
- At Mecidiyeköy, board Bus 121B, reach the terminus, and switch to Bus 15A, reaching Yuşa Tepesi.
Bağcılar, Güngören:
- Take the Kabataş-Bağcılar tram, Get off at Zeytinburnu.
- Transfer to the metrobus for Mecidiyeköy.
- From Mecidiyeköy, take Bus 121B, reach the final stop, board Bus 15A, and Get off at Yuşa Tepesi station.
Taksim:
- Take the Yenikapı-Hacıosman metro, Get off at Mecidiyeköy-Şişli.
- At Mecidiyeköy, board Bus 121B, reach the terminus, transfer to Bus 15A, and Get off at Yuşa Tepesi station.