“What peace must have reigned here once?” I wonder gazing upon Kaşgari Murtaza Efendi Cami. This serene mosque whispers tales of devotion and history right in the heart of Istanbul.
Let’s step back to the 18th century to truly understand Kaşgari Murtaza Efendi Cami’s story. It is a story of faith art and cultural exchange.
In 1744 Yekçeşm Ahmed Murtezâ Efendi started construction. He hailed from Turkistan. The mosque and its adjacent dervish lodge were completed in just one year. This swift construction speaks to Murteza Efendi’s dedication.
Interestingly the mosque is also known as “Kâşgarî Cami”. This name honors the first sheikh of the tekke. The sheikh was from Kashgar.
Murteza Efendi did not live long after its completion. He died in 1747. His final resting place is in the small cemetery near the Kaşgari Murtaza Efendi Cami. He rests there with his wife.
The mosque’s design blends functionality and beauty. The mosque itself is made of wood. The minaret is of cut stone. Next to the Kaşgari Murtaza Efendi Cami stands a well. It has a marble structure but no inscription.
Abdullah Nidayi from Turkistan was the first sheikh of the tekke. He is buried in its cemetery with his son Ubeydullah. Abdullah Nidayi Efendi wrote “Risale-i Hakkıyye”. Dr. Güller Nuhoğlu studied this work. She published a book titled “Abdullah Nidâî-yi Kâşgârî “.
Necip Fazıl Kısakürek’s sheikh Abdülhakîm Arvâsî was the last sheikh of the tekke. Near the Kaşgari Murtaza Efendi Cami is the tomb of İsa Geylani. Some say he was a descendant of Abdülkâdir Geylânî.
Kaşgari Murteza Efendi Cami underwent restoration in 2014. It reopened for worship in 2018. Cemal Paşa and Ahmet Bican Paşa are buried in the cemetery. They were important statesmen. Dr. Nuran Çetin wrote a book about the complex. It is titled “Gönül Sultanlarının A ağırlandığı Tekke Kaşgari Dergahı”. The Eyüp sultan Municipality published it in 2018.
Note the inscription above the courtyard entrance on Hüsam Efendi Street. It reads “Tarikat-i aliyyei Nakşibendiyye’den Kaşgâri Dergâh-ı şeri-fi”. This inscription connects the mosque to the Nakshbandi order. There is also a large cistern without an inscription.
The Kaşgari Murtaza Efendi Cami stands as a testament to faith and cultural exchange. It reminds us of the individuals who shaped Istanbul’s spiritual landscape. Take a moment to appreciate the history and tranquility. Absorb the peace within these walls.