THE PLACE OF SECT STRUCTURES SUCH AS ASITANES, DERVISH LODGES AND TEKKES IN THE FORMATION OF CITY IDENTITY IN ISTANBUL

Abstract

In this study, general information is given about the contributions of sufi order structures to the formation of Istanbul's urban identity, both physically and culturally. Among the elements that make up the historical identity of Ottoman cities, foundation establishments come first. Sufi order structures, called as asitanes, dargahs, and dervish lodges, are among other important foundation institutions such as mosques and madrasahs. Dervish lodges were places where many services were provided, from education to food and shelter. In terms of their architectural structures, the tekkes consisted of units such as a tawhidhane, a cilehane, a kitchen, a library and dervish rooms, where the functions of education and lodging were performed. Tekkes were ruled by the postnishin, also called the sheikh. Many tekkes were named after the profession or nickname of their sheikhs. Dargahs and the tombs in a dargah had an important place in terms of popular folklore and beliefs. The people often visited the shrines of the sheikhs, whom they regarded as saints to which they prayed and made offerings. Various meals prepared in dervish lodges were served and distributed to the public on special days and nights. Tekkes played a major role in the formation of the historical silhouette, neighborhood texture, and culture in Istanbul's acquisition of a Turkish-Islamic identity. Many neighborhoods and districts in Istanbul have emerged and developed centered around these lodges. Over time, many works were written about the Istanbul dervish lodges and the famous sufis who served in these dervish lodges, and a remarkable literature was constructed from these.