Ümmü Kenan Sufi Lodge
Changes After Construction:
- The lodge lost its function in 1925 with the closure of dervish lodges and zawiyas; interior alterations that removed the lodge functions were made, and the building was converted into a residence.
- The mansion section was rebuilt in 1998.
- The lodge building, which had fallen into ruin, was reconstructed between 2003 and 2007 in accordance with restitution projects; it was opened for service on 3 October 2007.
- During the reconstruction process, the ground floor was kept in masonry, the upper floors were built as wooden cladding over a steel frame, and the exterior was covered with wood in order to achieve the original appearance.
Prominent Features:
- It was also known by the names Kenan Rifai Mansion and Altay Lodge.
- The lodge was opened in 1908 (23 Rajab 1326) with a ceremony and ritual; it has been regarded as one of the last lodges opened in Istanbul.
- Kenan Rifai began his guidance activities in this lodge as postnişin.
- The lodge building was described as a two-storey mass rising above the ground floor next to the wooden mansion; stone walls were used on the lower levels, while a wooden structural system was employed above.
- After the reconstruction, the semahane section was built and furnished in accordance with the original and opened to visitors in a museum arrangement.
