Ruined walls stand before us. This is all that remains of the Şeyhülislam Mehmed Cemaleddin Efendi Camii.
Imagine a bustling Fatih neighborhood. The Şeyhülislam Mehmed Cemaleddin Efendi Camii once stood proudly on Otlukçu Yokuşu. It was built by Şeyh Resmi Mahmud. He rests in a separate mausoleum nearby.
The mosque was significantly renovated during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid II by Şeyhülislam Cemaleddin Efendi himself. A grand revival it was. Unfortunately a devastating fire in 1918 completely destroyed the structure. Records indicate that while the mosque itself lacked a formal endowment some individuals did leave bequests for its upkeep. Sadly only remnants of walls remain.
Cemaleddin Efendi a prominent figure in late Ottoman history. He was the 117th Şeyhülislam. He held many significant positions. He served as a judge in various cities and eventually achieved the esteemed position of Şeyhülislam in 1891. He held that prestigious office for nearly eighteen years. This makes him one of the longest-serving Şeyhülislams in Ottoman history. His birth year is debated some sources mentioning 1848 others 1849. Likewise his death year is unclear some sources showing 1917 others 1919. He was known for his political skill and ability to navigate complex situations.
Cemaleddin Efendi’s life was eventful. He managed to maintain his position during the 1908 revolution by pleasing both sides. His memoirs offer a fascinating insight into this period. These memoirs were first published in 1920. They were later re-edited and re-published in modern Turkish in 1990.
His legacy extends beyond his political career. His family also played notable roles. His father was a respected judge and his son-in-law was the renowned surgeon Cemil Topuzlu. A major street in Istanbul and a municipal amphitheatre are named in his honor.
His death in 1917 or 1919 depending on the source brought an end to a remarkable life. His body was brought to Istanbul for burial. His final resting place eventually became the Edirnekapı Martyrs Cemetery. The Şeyhülislam Mehmed Cemaleddin Efendi Camii may be gone but the story of the man who renovated it and his family continues to resonate. We are standing on hallowed ground. We are standing on the history of a great man and his lost mosque.