Mustafa Nuri Efendi

Mustafa Nuri Efendi, whose date of birth has not been identified, was a late Ottoman scholar born in Berkofça, within the borders of today’s Bulgaria.

Mustafa Nuri Efendi served as a müsevvid in the Fetvâhâne-i Âlî within the Bâb-ı Meşîhat. Müsevvids were members of the learned establishment who prepared the first texts and drafts of cases in fatwa service.

Known also for preaching and teaching circles, Mustafa Nuri Efendi served as Friday preacher at Sultanahmed, Friday preacher at Galata Molla Mosque and dersiâm at Galata Cedîd Vâlide Mosque.

One of Mustafa Nuri Efendi’s highest religious services was his position as Chair Preacher of Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia chair preachers were among the distinguished preachers who delivered sermons on major religious days and nights and ascended the pulpit in ceremonies attended by the sultan. Mustafa Nuri Efendi served as Chair Preacher of Hagia Sophia from 1914 to 1918.

El-Hâc Hâfız Mustafa Nuri Efendi of Berkofça died on 3 March 1918 and was buried in the Fatih Mosque Cemetery.