Here in Fatih is a story of science and spirituality. It is embodied in Akşemsettin Mahallesi. Akşemsettin Mahallesi is more than just a place. It is a blending of history, faith, and community.
Akşemsettin Mahallesi is a neighborhood within the Fatih district. Fatih is on Istanbul’s European side. The neighborhood shares borders with Hırka-i Şerif and Ali Kuşçu. It also borders Molla Gürani, İskenderpaşa, and Topkapı neighborhoods. Fevzipaşa Street marks its northeastern boundary. Vatanperver and Feyzullah Efendi Streets define the southeast. Vatan Street forms the southwest border. Akşemsettin Street is to the northwest.
Interestingly Akşemsettin Mahallesi came about by merging older settlements. These were Hocaüveys and Hasan Halife Mahallesi.
Let’s talk numbers. In 2023, the population was 18622. This shows how the area has changed over time.
But there is also a mosque that bears his name. It is located at the intersection of Keçiler Street and Yamak Street. More precisely it is in Mimar Sinan District. The Akşemsettin Mosque stands about 200 meters from the Hırka-i Şerif Mosque. The Akşemsettin Cultural Center is on the lower floor of the mosque. Next to it is the Dervişoğlu Foundation Şemsettin Cultural Center.
Akşemsettin Mehmet Efendi was Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s teacher. His tomb is in Göynük. The Akşemsettin Mosque has stood for many years. Three huge plane trees stand guard as you enter the courtyard. To the right, an inscription tells the life story of Akşemsettin.
The mosque features a white minaret. Inside, verses and hadiths adorn the white walls. Instead of a lectern, there is a buried library. The calligraphy on the glass is beautiful. Graves from the 19th century can be found here. Akşemsettin built the mosque in 1455. The Akşemsettin Foundation restored it in 1994.
Akşemsettin’s real name was Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamza. He was a major Sufi and a 15th-century scientist. In his book “Maddet-ül Hayat” about medicine, Akşemsettin discussed micro-organisms. He said diseases pass from person to person by seeds too small to be seen.
The Akşemsettin Mosque still welcomes worshipers daily. Fatih provides easy transportation and is home to many historic mosques. Akşemsettin Mahallesi and its mosque create a unique place. It is a place where history, science, and faith intertwine. As we leave Akşemsettin Mahallesi remember the seeds of knowledge. Remember the spiritual devotion that has shaped not only this district but also the mind of a Sultan.