Before you stands a testament to time Hacı Salih Efendi Camii. Let me tell you about this special mosque. It is a story of devotion and legacy.
The story of Hacı Salih Efendi Camii is connected to Salih Efendi himself. He served during the construction of the Valide-i Atik Camii. Later he decided to build his own mosque. Salih Efendi’s dedication led to the creation of this sacred space.
Salih Efendi’s story took place long ago. He passed away in 1591 or 1592. It means that Hacı Salih Efendi Camii was built before his death. It is believed the mosque was built using leftover materials from the Valide-i Atik Camii.
The mosque may share materials with other religious buildings. Kurban Nasuh Camii and Tabaklar Mescidi might also contain remnants. These remnants were from the construction of the Valide-i Atik Camii. This highlights a unique connection between these places of worship.
After his death Salih Efendi was buried near his mosque. His gravesite is next to where the mosque once stood. A simple iron railing surrounds his cylindrical tombstone. This shows respect for the founder of Hacı Salih Efendi Camii.
In the 19th century Hacı Salih Efendi Camii became a Sa’dî dervish lodge under Sheikh Seyfeddin Efendi. Sadly the tekke burned down between 1885 and 1890. Ahmet Münip Efendi noted its location as an empty plot in his work.
Mehmet Raif Bey wrote that the mosque was nonexistent. He noted only a few graves remained where it had stood. This was written in his book Mir’at-i Istanbul.
The Hacı Salih Efendi Camii and türbe are on Çavuşdere Caddesi. It is opposite Hatmi Sokağı. A marble fountain built in 1817 stands at the beginning of this street. It is the Ümmü Gülsüm Çeşmesi.
Across from the mosque were the famous Çavuşdere Bostanları. The famous Çınarlı Tekke was just a street away.
Do you know what a Bina Emini is? It was a title given to someone in charge of royal building projects. These projects were commissioned by sultans. They managed the costs of construction or repairs of important buildings. This included mosques. The Bina Emini managed expenses. They ensured materials were bought and workers were paid. Detailed records were kept in books. These books are now held in the Topkapı Library.
Today Hacı Salih Efendi Camii stands as a reminder of faith. It embodies the enduring legacy of Salih Efendi. It connects us to centuries of history and devotion.