Zenbilli Ali Efendi Cami

Have you ever heard of a scholar who delivered religious rulings via a basket? Right here, before the Zenbilli Ali Efendi Cami, such a tale unfolds. Zenbilli Ali Efendi Cami, also known as Müftü Ali Cami, stands as a testament to a remarkable figure in Ottoman history. Zenbilli Ali Efendi, whose real name was Alaeddin Ali b. Ahmed b. Mehmed el-Cemâli, served as the Şeyhülislam, the highest religious authority, for nearly 24 years under two sultans. He was known for his wisdom and efficiency. But he was also known for his unique method of delivering fatwas, or religious rulings. To avoid keeping people waiting, he would lower a basket from his study window, collect their questions, and then send back his answers in the same basket. This earned him the nickname “Zenbilli,” which means “basket-man.” Zenbilli Ali Efendi wasn’t just a quirky scholar; he was a respected authority in various fields like law, literature, grammar, and religious sciences. He was a descendant of the renowned scholar Fahreddin Razi and came from a family with a strong religious background. His uncle was Şeyh Mehmed Cemâli, and his father was Ahmed Çelebi, related to Grand Vizier Piri Mehmed Paşa. He studied under notable scholars like Mevlânâ Hamza and Molla Hüsrev, eventually marrying the daughter of his teacher Mevlânâ Hüsamzade Mustafa Efendi. He held several prestigious teaching positions throughout his career, including at the Süleymaniye Medrese in Istanbul. His appointment as Şeyhülislam came after the death of Efdalüddinzâde Hamidüddin Efendi. He held this position throughout the reigns of Yavuz Sultan Selim and Kanuni Sultan Süleyman. Zenbilli Ali Efendi was also known for his philanthropy. He commissioned several mosques, small mosques, and schools throughout Istanbul, including this very Zenbilli Ali Efendi Cami, which was initially built as a small mosque and later expanded. Sadly, some of his charitable works, like the Alaca Mescit and the Müftü Hamamı, no longer exist. Zenbilli Ali Efendi’s legacy extends beyond his fatwas and architectural contributions. He fathered several notable scholars, including Muhyiddin Mehmed Şah Efendi, author of the Târîh-i Âl-i Osmân, and Rûhî Çelebi, who also wrote a history of the Ottoman dynasty. He exemplified a life dedicated to knowledge, service, and piety, leaving an indelible mark on Ottoman religious and intellectual life. As you gaze upon Zenbilli Ali Efendi Cami, remember the scholar who used a simple basket to connect with the people, dispensing wisdom and shaping the religious landscape of his time.