Afganiler Sufi Lodge

audio narration:

construction year:

1792-1793

location:

Üsküdar, İstanbul

ordered by:

Unknown

architect:

Unknown

Changes After Construction:
  • The lodge underwent repairs several times in the 19th century.
  • After the closure of the dervish lodges and zawiyas in 1925, it continued for a time to shelter Afghan dervishes; afterward, it was abandoned and fell into ruin.
  • In 1942, a large part of the lodge was demolished; the inscription above the main gate was taken to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and later transferred to the Amcazade Hüseyin Pasha Complex.
  • To the present day, the enclosure wall, main gate, fountain, cemetery section, part of the meşruta, and the selamlık pavilion have survived.
Prominent Features:
  • The names Afghans’ Lodge, Afghani Kalenderhane, and Kalenderhane Lodge were used.
  • The lodge, located near Çinili Mosque, is associated with the Naqshbandi tradition; its founding purpose was to shelter unmarried and traveler dervishes arriving from Afghanistan.
  • Until its closure, only Afghan celibate Naqshbandi sheikhs sat on the post of the lodge.
  • A broad program oriented toward accommodation was implemented in the complex; the masjid-tevhidhane, sheikh’s meşruta, dervish cells, large kitchen, pantry, dining hall, selamlık pavilion, fountain, pool, and cemetery section were designed together.
  • The selamlık pavilion is a single-storey and single-space structure; inside, there are opposing wooden benches with a marble pool and fountain arrangement between them, while the floor decoration draws attention with its mosaic layout.
  • The lodge is entered through a cut-stone gate with an arch and jambs; within the garden are the cemetery section, a pool and well arrangement, and a fountain with an inscription dated 1845 (Hijri 1261).