Abdülvehhab Efendi

Abdülvehhab Efendi, whose date of birth has not been identified, was the son of Hâfız Hüseyin Efendi. He was also known as Abdî Efendi and was among the sheikhs belonging to the Cerrâhiyye branch of the Halvetiyye. His being remembered with the title seyyid shows that his family preserved its affiliation with the Prophet’s lineage.

Abdülvehhab Efendi served at the Tomb of Mehmed the Conqueror as türbedar-ı evvel and chief tomb caretaker. The chief tomb caretaker was the head official responsible for the daily services of the tomb, the order of visitation, its lamps and the religious ceremonies carried out there. Holding this duty at the tomb of Mehmed the Conqueror gave him a special place within the religious-service circle of the Fatih Mosque Complex.

Abdülvehhab Efendi held this duty for many years and resided in one of the rooms reserved for the tomb within the Fatih Mosque Complex. He also served as keeper of the lamps and looked after the lighting of the tomb. In his time, food was given to the poor and needy on Monday nights in the tomb caretaker’s room, and awrâd and adhkâr were recited in the tomb after the night prayer.

He died on 30 December 1887 and was buried in the Fatih Mosque Cemetery.