Seyyid-i Velayet Tomb
About the Person:
- Seyyid Velayet was one of the prominent representatives of the Zeyniyye Sufi order in Ottoman Istanbul, and it is said that his lineage traces back to the Prophet Muhammad through Hussein. Originally from Kirmasti in Bursa, he came to Istanbul at a young age and completed his spiritual training under Âşıkpaşazâde. He married his sheikh’s daughter, Rabia Hatun.
- Throughout his life, he carried out spiritual guidance primarily from his tekke in the Fatih district and maintained close relations with scholars and statesmen of the era. He went on pilgrimage three times, received a Vefai ijazah (authorization) in Egypt, and worked to spread the Vefai path in Istanbul.
- He was respected during the reigns of Mehmed the Conqueror and Bayezid II, though his relationship with Sultan Selim I was distant. After his death, his tekke continued to operate under the management of his sons and grandsons.
About the Tomb:
Construction Year: 16th century
Ordered by: Unknown
Architect: Unknown
Prominent Features:
- The tomb is built from finely cut stone in an octagonal plan and covered with a single dome. Above the entrance door is a beautiful celî sülüs inscription, valuable in terms of both stone carving and classical calligraphy.
- The window openings are adorned with geometric stone lattices in the style of classical Turkish architecture. In addition to Seyyid Velayet, some of his family members are also buried in the tomb’s courtyard.
- The tomb is a rare structure that complements the zawiya and mosque complex built by Âşıkpaşazâde. It was recently restored and preserved by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
