Neccarzade Mustafa Rıza Efendi Tomb

Mustafa Rıza Efendi was born in 1679. Sources differ on his place of birth, citing either Şebinkarahisar or Beşiktaş, Istanbul. He began his education in Üsküdar and continued at the Beşiktaş Sinan Paşa Madrasa.
He had a deep interest in calligraphy and supported himself by copying manuscripts.
Turning to Sufism, he first became a disciple of the Celveti sheikh Mustafa Fenayi, then joined the Naqshbandi-Mujaddidi order under Arapzade Mehmed İlmi Efendi in Edirne.
He received his ijazah (authorization to teach) in 1711 and returned to Istanbul, serving as the imam of the Sinan Paşa Mosque in Beşiktaş. He also revived the adjoining tekke and resumed spiritual guidance.
In 1740, he performed the Hajj and visited many important tombs on his return. He passed away on February 7, 1746, and was buried in the hazire of his tekke, over which a tomb was later constructed.
The tomb was renovated in 1869. Mustafa Rıza Efendi was known for his numerous naʿts (poems in praise of the Prophet), as well as his mastery in prose, music, and calligraphy. His life and miracles are recorded in the work Menkıbetü’l-Evliyâiyye.
After his death, his son Mehmed Sıddık Efendi and son-in-law İsmail Hakkı Efendi successively served as postnişin (spiritual head) of the tekke.

Construction Year: 1746

Ordered by: Disciples of Mustafa Rıza Efendi

Architect: Unknown

Prominent Features:

The tomb has a square plan and is covered with a high-drum dome.
The interior is simple and unadorned, but its tranquil atmosphere is striking.
A fountain stands in front of the tomb.
The structure was affected by fires and earthquakes over time but has been restored to its former state.
According to the inscription on the tomb, it was renovated in 1869 and rebuilt in the architectural style of that period.