Indo Islamic Heritage
The Dargah of Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani, located near Turkman Gate in Old Delhi, is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest major railway station is Old Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), which is just a short rickshaw ride away. For metro travelers, the closest stations are Chawri Bazar on the Yellow Line and Delhi Gate on the Violet Line, both within a 10 to 12-minute walking distance from the dargah. Several Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus stops are also nearby, including Turkman Gate and Turkman Gate/G.B. Pant Hospital stops, which are just a 3-minute walk away, making it easily accessible by bus. For air travelers, the nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). From the airport, one can take the Airport Express Line to New Delhi Metro Station and then switch to the Yellow or Violet Line to reach either Chawri Bazar or Delhi Gate, respectively. Despite being nestled in the dense heart of Old Delhi, the dargah is easily reachable through a well-connected network of rail, metro, bus, and air transport.
The Dargah of Hazrat Shamsul Arifeen, popularly known as Shah Turkman Bayabani, is considered one of the oldest Sufi shrines in Delhi. Hazrat Shah Turkman was a 13th-century Sufi saint who arrived in Delhi shortly after the conquest of the region by Muhammad Ghori, around the end of the 12th century. Choosing a life of solitude, he settled in the forested area that is now the bustling neighborhood of Daryaganj. His epithet "Bayabani" refers to his preference for living in wilderness and isolation, away from the noise of the city. He led a simple, ascetic life, sustaining himself on wild fruits and water, and became known for his deep spiritual wisdom. His contemporaries included other notable Sufi figures such as Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. Hazrat Shah Turkman passed away in 1240 CE during the reign of Sultan Muizuddin Bahram Shah—the same year Razia Sultan died—and was buried in what was then a quiet corner near the Yamuna River. Over time, his grave became a place of reverence. The nearby Turkman Gate, one of the entrances to Shahjahanabad built in the 17th century, was named in his honor, reflecting the lasting imprint of his spiritual legacy. Though modest in appearance, the dargah is spiritually significant and draws devotees of all backgrounds, especially on Thursdays and during the annual Urs. Today, surrounded by the dense urban sprawl of Old Delhi, the dargah remains a serene sanctuary and a living reminder of Delhi’s earliest Sufi heritage.
Year of Built: 13th -14th Century
Address: Mohalla Kabristan Shah Abul Khair, Turkman Gate, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, Delhi
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: Central Delhi
Pincode: 110006
Longitude: 77.2330
Latitude: 28.6410