Şeyh Ethem Sırrı Efendi Tomb
About the Tomb:
- Sadeddîn Sırrı Efendi was born in Üsküp and raised from a young age under the guidance of the Rifâî Sufi order. His father was Muhammed Bâkır Efendi, the third postnişin (head) of the Üsküp Rifâî Lodge. He was a prominent figure in Sufism, literature, and especially tekke (dervish lodge) music. He worked to preserve the musical and ritual unity between the tekkes of Istanbul and Üsküp, contributed to the organization of tekke performances, and composed new pieces and works. In this regard, he brought vitality to the musical and tekke culture of his time.
About the Tomb:
Construction Year: 1845
Ordered by: Şeyh Mehmed Efendi
Architect: Unknown
Prominent Features:
- Situated within the tekke, the tomb is an open grave and part of a small complex that includes a semâhâne (ritual hall), coffee hearth, room, and a large courtyard.
- The tekke is renowned for its practice of Rifâî rituals, including dhikr, semâ, and music.
- The tomb’s garden also contains the graves of family members and previous sheikhs.
- In a comprehensive restoration conducted in 2016–2017, both the tomb and tekke buildings were faithfully renovated and reopened to visitors as a cultural center.
