Ertuğrul Tekke Camii

Once a sanctuary for whirling dervishes, the Ertuğrul Tekke Camii stands as a testament to a fascinating era. The Ertuğrul Tekke Camii isn’t just a mosque. It’s a complex, a külliye, a place where faith intertwined with daily life. Commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the Ertuğrul Tekke Camii was completed in 1887. The mosque’s namesake, Ertuğrul Gazi, father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, echoes through its history. The mosque also served as a place of worship for the soldiers of the Ertuğrul Regiment, adding another layer to its rich tapestry. The Ertuğrul Tekke Camii was more than a place of prayer. It was a tekke, a lodge for the Şazeli dervishes. Imagine the hypnotic rhythms of their whirling dances, their chants filling the air within these very walls. The complex also housed a guest house, a türbe (tomb), a çeşme (fountain), and a library, creating a vibrant hub of activity. The mosque itself embodies the classical Ottoman architectural style of the late period, its wooden structure whispering tales of the past. Attached to this historical gem is the türbe of Sheikh Hamza Zafir, the founder of the Medeni branch of the Şazeli order. Designed by the Italian architect Raimondo D’Aronco, the tomb showcases the Art Nouveau style, a unique blend of East and West. This addition, along with the library and fountain, occurred between 1905 and 1906. So, as you stand before the Ertuğrul Tekke Camii, remember, you’re not just looking at a building. You’re experiencing a story etched in stone and wood, a story of faith, history, and architectural fusion. It’s a reminder of a time when Istanbul was a melting pot of cultures and beliefs, a time when the whirl of dervishes and the murmur of prayers filled the air.