Hasan Sezai Mosque: An Ottoman Mosque and Sufi Lodge Complex in Edirne
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 5
- Popularity
- Very Low
- Country
- Turkey
- Primary era
- Early Modern
- Eras represented
- Medieval, Early Modern, Modern
- Civilizations
- Ottoman
- Site type
- Religious
- Remains
- Mosque
On this page8 sections
History
Hasan Sezai Mosque is an Ottoman mosque in central Edirne, Turkey, commissioned in 1486 by Şah Melek Bey as part of a complex that also included a Sufi lodge. Sufism is the mystical tradition within Islam. The complex is also called Hasan Sezai Tekke, meaning Hasan Sezai Sufi lodge, or Hasan Sezai Külliye, a group of buildings organized around a mosque. The mosque is affiliated with Sunni Islam.
Foundation and Ottoman-era changes
Some elements left unfinished after the original construction were completed later by Ekmekçizade Ahmet Paşa. İsa Dede renovated the mosque in 1631. In 1740, Sadık Efendi demolished it down to its foundations and rebuilt it. Sadık was a descendant of Hasan Sezai Gülşenî, an Ottoman Sufi sheikh and poet associated with the Gülşenî Sufi order.
Earthquake and restoration
The 1953 earthquake destroyed the mosque, leaving only part of its minaret standing. Restoration of the mosque and lodge complex began in 2013, and the mosque reopened for worship on 11 December 2015. The complex was registered as a protected Group I architectural monument in 2003.
Remains
The complex includes the mosque, its courtyard, an associated Sufi lodge, and a cemetery. The mosque is in the Ottoman architectural style and has one minaret; two entrances lead into its courtyard.
Mosque complex and cemetery
Minaret and courtyard
The 1953 earthquake left the minaret standing only up to its balcony. The courtyard has two entrances, which provide access to the mosque precinct.
Restored features
Work on the complex repaired Hasan Sezai’s tomb and restored its ablution fountain. A small prayer hall that had fallen into ruin was rebuilt. Ablution and toilet facilities were added, and the grounds were landscaped.
Cemetery gravestones
The associated cemetery contains nearly 100 gravestones. Eleven that were damaged or broken were repaired and maintained in 2022.
