Relics Belonging to Prophet Yahya

These relics are linked to Prophet Yahya. Many people also know him as John the Baptist.

One relic is believed to be his skull. It was brought to Istanbul in the Byzantine era. Later, it came into the hands of the Ottoman sultans.

There is also a story about Sultan Murad the Second. He is believed to have given this relic to his Serbian wife, Despina. In the 18th century, it returned to the palace.

Another relic is believed to be bones from Prophet Yahya’s arm. These bones were also brought to Istanbul in the Byzantine era. Later, the Ottomans took them.

In 1484, Sultan Bayezid sent this relic to the Knights of Rhodes. After 1585, it was found in Cyprus. Then it was brought back to the palace.

The cover of the relic is made of silver with gold gilding. On it, there is an inscription. It reads, “The Hand of the Baptizer.”