Drawn from ancient springs. That’s how Alemdağ earned its reputation as a sweet water haven. Alemdağ. It is a neighborhood nestled in Çekmeköy, Istanbul. It whispers tales dating back centuries.
Alemdağ’s story stretches back 300 to 500 years. Some say it began with Armenians. They were brought here to manage the Atik Valide Sultan Vakfı forests. They became settlers tasked with the baltacılık or forestry duty. A petition from these Armenians to the Hazine-i Hassa İdaresi stated they had resided here for 200 to 300 years. This suggests initial settlement around the 1700s.
A decree from July 10, 1697, mentions Alemdağ. It concerned the prevention of wood and timber theft. This theft occurred from the forest belonging to the Valide Sultan Mosque. The mosque was in Bahçekapısı, Istanbul. The forest was associated with a farm in Alemdağ. This hints that a settled village at Alemdağ’s center had not yet developed. Illegal logging extended back to that time.
By 1702, there’s evidence of settlement shifts. A decree from March 29, 1702, orders resettlement. People had moved from Sultan Çiftliği. Sultan Çiftliği was in Alemdağ. They were ordered back to their original places. This shows the area near Alemdağ was called Sultan Çiftliği then.
The Atik Valide Sultan Vakfı played a vital role. It shaped Çekmeköy and Alemdağ. People settled here to meet the wood needs of the Sultan’s mosques. These mosques were in Üsküdar and Bahçekapı. They cut wood from the Alemdağ Vakıf Baltalığı. They transported it to Istanbul.
Alemdağ’s landscape features three soil types. There are red Mediterranean soils. Brown forest soils are also present. Alluvial soils complete the trio. The red soils resemble those of the Mediterranean. The forest soils share qualities with Central Europe.
Alemdağ boasts several significant water sources. They are Ayazma. Defneli. Mütevelli also known as Gazi Suyu. Elmalı and Kozpınar complete the list. Ayazma Spring is within the town.
The name Alemdağ carries layered meanings. Âlem refers to the seven heavens and earths in the Quran. It also represents worlds or the universe. The term appears many times to signify creation.
In 1081, Seljuk forces reached Üsküdar. They were led by Süleyman Şah bin Kutalmış. Later, the First Crusade led to a temporary loss. The area fell back into Crusader hands.
Osman Bey conquered Bilecik, Yarhisar, and İnegöl in 1299. He moved his center to Bilecik. The Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat III sent Osman Bey symbols of power. These included an alem, drum, and flag.
Historically Alemdağ served as a notable picnic spot. Its Taşdelen Water was prized. This spring was Alemdağ’s most revered spot.
In Alemdağ, Sultan Turasan is remembered. He was a hero in the conquest of Anatolia. He became a revered figure. Alemdağ Baba Türbesi is said to be his. It was once a place of pilgrimage.
The enchanting Alemdağ mesiresi offered respite. It was a place for relaxation. It shifted from the grand садabat entertainments to simpler pleasures. This location evolved over time.
Explore Alemdağ’s embrace of nature. Discover the tales woven into its forests and waters. Alemdağ offers a serene escape from Istanbul’s vibrant pulse.