Bektashi Tradition and the Death of Sultan Murad

The Military Campaign in Serbia

During the time of the warlike Ottoman Sultan Murad I, the Ottoman army entered Serbia. In this campaign, Sultan Murad defeated Lazar, the ruler (Despot) of Serbia, in battle, and Lazar was killed during the fighting.

This event marked an important moment in Ottoman history, as it showed the expansion of Ottoman power into the Balkans.

Bektashi Preacher in the Ottoman Army

At that time, a Bektashi preacher served in the army of Sultan Murad. The Bektashi were a religious order that often accompanied soldiers and provided spiritual guidance Istanbul Day Trip.

This preacher is said to have warned the Sultan not to trust the Serbians too easily. He advised caution and careful judgment during the campaign.

However, Sultan Murad, trusting his own strength and confidence, did not fully follow this advice.

The Assassination of Sultan Murad

According to the story, a Serbian nobleman named Miloš was allowed to approach the Sultan under the excuse of showing respect and kissing his hand. However, he secretly carried a dagger.

When he came close enough, he suddenly attacked and stabbed Sultan Murad in the heart, killing him. This event is remembered as the assassination of the Sultan on the battlefield.

The sudden death of the Sultan shocked the Ottoman army and changed the course of events in the region.

The Fate of the Bektashi Preacher

The Bektashi preacher understood that the death of the Sultan would also bring danger to him, since he had been close to the ruler and had predicted the attack.

Realizing this, he did not try to escape. Instead, he accepted his fate and prepared for his own death calmly.

The White Cloak and Symbolic Gesture

Before his death, the preacher prepared a white robe with long sleeves. He offered this robe to his followers and admirers.

Those who respected him were asked to kiss the sleeves as a sign of obedience and loyalty to him and to his teachings.

This act became an important symbolic tradition among his followers.

The Origin of a Court Tradition

It is said that from this practice came the later custom of kissing the sleeve of the Ottoman Sultan (Grand Signior). This gesture was seen as a sign of respect, loyalty, and submission to authority.

The Convents and Appearance of the Edhem Order

Main Convents in Persia

The main convents of this religious order are found in the cities of Persia, especially in the region of Khorasan. These places serve as centers for prayer, teaching, and religious gathering for the followers of the order.

Although the order is respected in some regions, it is not widely spread in all parts of the Ottoman Empire. In cities such as Constantinople, there are only a few members of this group, while most of their followers live in Persia.

Because of this, detailed information about their rules and practices is limited compared to other more widespread religious orders Istanbul Tours Guide.

Clothing and Appearance

The members of this order wear simple and rough clothing. Their garments are usually made of thick, coarse cloth, showing their rejection of luxury and comfort.

On their heads, they wear a woolen cap, often wrapped with a turban. Around their necks, they wear a white linen cloth that is striped with red. This simple style of dress is meant to show humility and separation from worldly fashion.

Their appearance reflects their spiritual belief that simplicity is a form of devotion and discipline.

Beliefs About the Wilderness

Some followers of this order are said to believe that they can live peacefully even in dangerous and wild places. According to stories, they claim to have contact with wild animals such as lions and tigers, and they believe they can calm and tame them through spiritual power and divine assistance.

These accounts also include very imaginative claims, such as the ability to communicate with ancient prophets like Enoch in the wilderness. Such stories are considered mystical and symbolic rather than literal by many observers.

Because these ideas are unusual, they are often described as exaggerated or difficult to verify.

Limited Information in Constantinople

The author notes that there are only a small number of followers of this order in Constantinople. Since most members live in Persia, it is difficult to obtain detailed and reliable information about their complete rules and practices.

For this reason, much of what is known about the order comes from travelers, hearsay, or partial reports rather than direct observation.

Introduction to the Bektashi Order

Another important religious group mentioned is the Bektashi order. The founder of this order is not from ancient times, and he did not come from the traditional circle of early Arab saints or mystics.

Instead, he was originally an army preacher, someone who combined religious teaching with military life. He was known for being able to both fight in battle and preach religion.

This combination of spiritual and military roles made him different from many other religious leaders of his time.

The Founder Ibrahim Edhem and His Followers

The Founder of the Order

The original founder of this religious order was a man named Ibrahim Edhem. His followers and disciples told many stories about his life, although some of these stories are unclear or mixed with legend.

According to tradition, his father was a slave of Abyssinian origin. Ibrahim Edhem himself was said to have lived a remarkable and spiritual life, and many stories describe his journey from worldly power to complete devotion to God Istanbul Tours Guide.

His Early Life and Change

It is said that Ibrahim Edhem once met a king of Cairo and spoke with him. At that time, he was known as a polite, calm, and serious man. He always tried to please God and live a righteous life.

He spent much of his time in mosques, reading the Qur’an, and praying day and night. He often bowed his face to the ground in deep prayer and repeated words of devotion such as:

“O God, You have given me wisdom so that I clearly understand I am under Your guidance. Therefore, I give up all worldly power and choose a life of philosophy and holiness.”

These words show his strong desire to leave worldly ambitions and focus only on spiritual life.

His Example to Others

The servants and followers of Ibrahim Edhem saw his devotion and were deeply inspired by him. They began to imitate his way of life, leaving behind wealth, comfort, and social status.

They abandoned the luxuries and pride of the world and chose instead to live in solitude and self-discipline. Many of them gave their extra clothing and possessions to the poor and needy.

Through this act of charity, they believed they were purifying their souls and helping others at the same time.

Daily Life of the Followers

The followers of this order lived a very simple life. Their food usually consisted of barley bread, which they ate in small amounts. They also practiced fasting regularly as a form of spiritual discipline.

Fasting was considered an important way to control the body and strengthen the soul. It helped them focus more on prayer and reduce attachment to worldly desires.

Religious Practices and Leadership

The leaders of the order, especially the spiritual teachers known as priors, spent much of their time preaching and teaching. They explained religious lessons to their followers and encouraged them to live according to strict moral and spiritual rules.

Preaching and guidance were important parts of their role, as they were responsible for helping others stay on the path of devotion.

The Followers of the Kalenderi Santon

The Character of the Santon

The Santon, or holy man, described in the previous section was known for his strict and unusual way of life. He lived as a hermit, spent his time in prayer and music, and showed signs of extreme spiritual devotion. He was admired by some people for his dedication and simplicity.

However, his followers or disciples were very different from him in character and behavior.

The Lifestyle of His Followers

Unlike their master, the disciples of this Santon were known for living joyful and pleasure-seeking lives. They avoided sadness, worry, and all forms of serious reflection. Instead, they believed that life should be enjoyed without fear or concern for the future Istanbul Tours Guide.

Among them was a common saying:

“This day belongs to us; tomorrow belongs to whoever lives to see it.”

Because of this belief, they focused only on the present moment. They tried not to waste any time and believed that pleasure should be enjoyed fully while it was available.

Eating, Drinking, and Spending

The followers of this group spent much of their time eating, drinking, and enjoying physical pleasures. In order to support this lifestyle, they sometimes sold personal belongings such as stones from their belts, earrings, and bracelets.

When they visited the houses of wealthy or important people, they behaved in a friendly and entertaining way. They used pleasant words and cheerful behavior to encourage their hosts to give them generous hospitality.

Their goal was to be welcomed warmly and to enjoy food, drink, and comfort wherever they went.

Their View of Religion

The Kalenderi followers believed that enjoying life was also a form of worship. They thought that using God’s gifts, such as food and drink, freely and without restriction was a way of showing gratitude.

In their view, even taverns and places of drinking were not considered sinful. They believed these places could be “holy” in their own way, just like a mosque, because they were part of God’s creation.

They also believed that strict fasting, discipline, and hardship were not the only paths to spiritual truth. Instead, they followed a more relaxed and worldly interpretation of religion.

Criticism from Others

Many other Muslims strongly disagreed with these beliefs. Religious scholars criticized the Kalenderi lifestyle and considered it careless and improper.

Some even believed that their behavior brought harm to society and religious order. They argued that true religion should involve discipline, prayer, and moral control, not indulgence and excess.

A Historical Incident

According to a story told among Turks, in the year 615 of the Hijra, Christians were able to take control of Jerusalem. Some people claimed that this happened because the leader of the Kalenderi order in the city was found drunk during the attack.

Whether this story is true or not is uncertain, but it was used by critics to show the dangers of careless behavior among religious leaders.

The Santon Kalenderi and the Mystical Musician

Historical Background

During the time of Sultan Mahomet II and his descendants, the Ottoman Empire was divided among his sons. One son ruled Cairo, while others governed Damascus, Jerusalem, and regions such as Diyarbakir. Each prince received different parts of the empire to rule after the division of the lands.

This political period was also a time when many religious figures, mystics, and wandering dervishes lived throughout the region. Among them were individuals known as “Santon” or holy men, who devoted their lives entirely to religion and spiritual practice Istanbul Tours Guide.

The Holy Man and His Music

In this period, there was a famous holy man who constantly repeated the name of God through the sound of a flute or pipe. He used music as a form of devotion and spiritual expression.

However, his music was not cheerful or entertaining in the usual sense. Instead, his melodies were slow, sad, and filled with deep emotion. He often played while crying, and his music was accompanied by sighs and tears.

His followers believed that through this emotional music, he could feel closer to God and express deep spiritual truths that words alone could not describe.

His Spiritual Life and Appearance

This holy man was known as a hermit, meaning he lived alone and separated from normal society. In Arabic, he was called “Abdal.”

He lived a very simple and difficult life. He went without a hat, wore no proper clothing except a rough animal skin over his shoulders, and often appeared wounded or injured on his body. This was seen as a sign of his extreme devotion and rejection of worldly comfort.

At his waist, he carried a polished stone instead of valuable jewelry. On his wrists, instead of diamonds or gold, he wore imitation jewels that still shone brightly. These simple objects reflected his rejection of wealth and luxury.

His Role as a Santon Kalenderi

This man was known as a Santon of the Kalenderi order, a group of wandering mystics who often lived outside normal religious discipline. He was always singing Arabic poems and religious songs, combining music with spiritual devotion.

His performances were highly artistic and carefully composed, showing both musical skill and deep emotional feeling.

Because of his style of worship and his musical talent, many people compared him to the Prophet David, who was also known in religious tradition as a singer and psalmist.

Reputation and Influence

The Santon Kalenderi was admired by some people for his devotion, musical talent, and spiritual intensity. His emotional style of worship made him appear deeply connected to divine truth.

However, his unusual appearance and way of life also made him different from more traditional religious scholars and leaders. Some people respected him as a saint, while others viewed his behavior as strange or unconventional.

The Babylon Story and the Order of the Kalenderi

The Story of Hospitality in Babylon

According to the story, when a respected religious master arrived in the city of Babylon, there was supposedly no proper place prepared to receive him. The people of the city were said to have been proud of their own scholars and religious men, and they believed that they already had enough learned and holy figures among them Istanbul Tours Guide.

Because of this attitude, they were seen as unwilling to show proper hospitality to the newcomer.

The Wise Response of the Visitor

In response, the visiting man, described as a clever and wise teacher, tried to correct their behavior through a symbolic act. He first raised his hands toward the sky, showing respect and connection to God. Then he bent down and picked up a leaf, placing it on the surface of the water that filled a bowl.

This simple action carried a symbolic meaning. The leaf floating on the water represented wisdom and humility placed upon knowledge and pride.

Through this symbolic gesture, he showed that true wisdom can exist even in the smallest and simplest things. It also suggested that spiritual truth cannot be limited or closed off by pride or arrogance.

The Lesson of the Story

The result of this act was important. The people of Babylon understood the meaning of his symbolic demonstration. They recognized that their earlier behavior had been unkind and lacking in respect.

As a result, they changed their attitude and began to admire the visitor. They accepted him warmly and, according to the story, honored him greatly. Eventually, they even appointed him as a leader or superior among their religious groups.

This story was later repeated as an example of wisdom, humility, and the power of symbolic actions in religious teaching.

Introduction to the Kalenderi Order

The Kalenderi Order was another religious group within the wider world of Ottoman dervishes. However, unlike many other Sufi orders that focused on strict discipline, fasting, and spiritual control, the Kalenderi were known for a much more unusual lifestyle.

Some writers described them as being similar to Epicureans, meaning people who lived for pleasure and comfort rather than strict religious discipline. However, this comparison was often made in a critical or disapproving tone.

Their Way of Life

The Kalenderi dervishes were known for behaving in a very open and unconventional manner. Unlike other religious groups that emphasized modesty and restraint, they often lived freely and did not hide their customs from the public.

They did not always follow strict rules of appearance or behavior. Instead, they believed in a different interpretation of spiritual life, which allowed more personal freedom.

Because of this, many traditional religious scholars viewed them as controversial or even inappropriate in their practices.

The Spiritual Life of Nimetullah and His Followers

The Character of Nimetullah

According to one of his devoted followers, Nimetullah was a man completely dedicated to truth, prayer, and spiritual discipline. He tried to control the desires of the body and refused to follow the temptations of worldly pleasures and physical appetite Istanbul Day Tour.

His followers believed that he possessed deep wisdom and understood the hidden nature of all living things. Through constant worship and meditation, he devoted his life entirely to the service of God.

The admirer who described him spoke of Nimetullah with great respect and admiration, presenting him as an example of perfect holiness and spiritual purity.

A Life of Prayer and Meditation

Nimetullah was said to spend nearly all his time in prayer, reflection, and religious devotion. His mind was continually focused on spiritual matters and the search for divine truth.

According to tradition, he dedicated himself so completely to contemplation that he often entered states of ecstasy and spiritual rapture. In these moments, his followers believed that he became spiritually close to God and experienced divine revelations.

Such mystical experiences were highly valued among many dervish orders. They believed that through intense devotion, prayer, and self-discipline, a person could reach a higher spiritual condition beyond ordinary human understanding.

His Way of Living

Unlike some other religious groups, Nimetullah did not follow extremely strict rules about food or fasting. He ate whatever foods God had made lawful for human nourishment and did not believe that holiness depended entirely upon severe diets or constant fasting.

However, even though he did not practice excessive abstinence from food, he remained devoted to worship day and night. His followers claimed that his life was still marked by simplicity, humility, and spiritual discipline.

Even during sleep, he was described as maintaining dignity and self-control. His followers compared ordinary people to animals resting carelessly in stables, while Nimetullah was portrayed as always mindful of God, even while resting.

Fear and Reverence Toward God

The stories about Nimetullah often emphasized his deep fear and reverence for God. It was said that thoughts of divine majesty caused him to tremble, and his face sometimes became pale and sorrowful because of his awareness of God’s greatness and power.

This fear was not understood as terror alone, but as a form of deep spiritual respect and humility before the Creator.

According to his followers, very few people could ever reach the same level of spiritual perfection or gain such intimate knowledge of divine mysteries and secrets.

Worship Gatherings of the Order

The followers of this religious order gathered together every Monday night for worship and devotion. During these meetings, they praised the unity and greatness of God through hymns, prayers, and sacred songs.

These ceremonies created a strong sense of community and spiritual unity among the members. Singing and collective worship were believed to help purify the soul and strengthen devotion.

Their gatherings reflected the mystical traditions common among many dervish orders, where music, prayer, and remembrance of God were joined together as forms of spiritual practice.

The Nakshibendi and Nimetullahi Religious Orders

Praise for the Nakshibendi Order

Among the religious orders of the Ottoman world, the Nakshibendi order was highly respected by many people for its discipline, devotion, and spiritual teachings. In praise of this order, the following verses were written in the Persian language:

“If you wish to find in this world a true and perfect hero,

become a Nakshibendi, for he is the true servant of God.”

These lines express the admiration many people felt for the members of this religious community. The Nakshibendi dervishes were seen as examples of humility, obedience, and devotion to God. Their followers believed that true greatness was not found in wealth, power, or military strength, but in spiritual discipline and service to religion Istanbul Day Tour.

Claims of Spiritual Purity

The Nakshibendi followers considered themselves spiritually pure and deeply devoted to religious life. They believed that through prayer, fasting, meditation, and self-discipline, the soul could rise above worldly concerns and become closer to God.

Some members claimed to experience spiritual visions and mystical states that allowed them to feel spiritually connected to holy places without physically traveling there.

Because of this belief, certain followers thought they were not required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the important duties in Islam. They argued that their souls, through divine inspiration and spiritual ecstasy, could already perceive and experience the holiness of Mecca even while remaining inside their convents or cells.

Criticism from Other Muslims

Despite their reputation for holiness, many ordinary Muslims regarded these beliefs as dangerous or heretical. Critics argued that no amount of spiritual experience could replace the religious obligation of pilgrimage.

To traditional religious scholars, claiming spiritual superiority over established religious law appeared proud and improper. As a result, many people accused these dervishes of departing from orthodox Islamic teaching.

This tension between mystical spirituality and traditional religious law was common in the Ottoman Empire. Mystical orders often emphasized personal spiritual experience, while religious scholars focused more on obedience to established rules and practices.

The Nimetullahi Order

Among the groups connected to the larger Chalveti tradition was the Nimetullahi order. This community began during the Islamic year 777 of the Hijra and took its name from its founder, Nimetullah.

Nimetullah became famous for both his religious teachings and his strict way of life. He lived during the reign of Sultan Mehmed, the son of Bayezid, who was known among the Turks by the title “Yildirim,” meaning “Thunderbolt.”

The founder of the Nimetullahi order gained great respect among ordinary people because of his learning, wisdom, and moral discipline.

Nimetullah as Physician and Holy Man

Besides being a religious teacher, Nimetullah was also known as a skilled physician. Many people admired him not only for his knowledge of medicine but also for his spiritual virtues.

Stories about holy men often combined physical healing with spiritual authority, and Nimetullah’s reputation grew because people believed he possessed both wisdom and holiness.

According to followers of his order, he lived a severe and disciplined life, avoiding luxury and worldly pleasures. His students admired him greatly and spoke about him with deep respect and devotion.

The Life and Teachings of the Ebrbuharee Order

The Mission of Ebrbuhar and His Companions

Ebrbuhar, a disciple of the spiritual teacher Nacshbende, traveled from Asia into Europe in order to spread his religious teachings. He was accompanied by several respected preachers and leaders of other religious convents, including Abdullah, Ilahi, and Vefa. Together, these men worked to teach their spiritual path and guide people toward religious devotion.

Their mission was not based on force or political power, but on personal example, preaching, and religious instruction. They hoped to inspire people through discipline, humility, and holy living.

Their Character and Conduct

The followers of this order were known for their gentleness, seriousness, and silence. They tried to avoid unnecessary talk and worldly distractions. Unlike some other religious groups, they claimed to reject excessive superstition and instead focused on moral conduct and spiritual discipline Istanbul Day Tour.

Their daily lives centered on prayer, meditation, and acts of devotion. They preferred conversations about the soul, eternity, and the future life rather than discussions about wealth, politics, or worldly pleasures.

This separation from worldly concerns was considered an important part of their spiritual practice. By avoiding earthly distractions, they believed they could draw closer to God.

Their Practices of Fasting and Abstinence

The members of the Ebrbuharee order regularly fasted on Mondays and Thursdays. Fasting was not only a religious duty but also a way to discipline the body and purify the soul.

They also avoided foods with strong or unpleasant smells. This practice reflected their belief in cleanliness, moderation, and self-control. Through abstinence and simple living, they hoped to achieve a state of spiritual purity and inner peace.

The order taught that constant devotion, prayer, and remembrance of God’s mercy would gradually transform the soul. Their goal was to prepare themselves for heavenly glory and eternal happiness in the life to come.

The Holy Life of Ebrbuhar

According to tradition, Ebrbuhar himself lived an extremely simple and holy life. He survived mainly on barley bread, olive oil, honey, and grapes. He avoided rich foods and anything with a strong taste or smell.

Stories about him claimed that he ate only three times a year, spending most of his life fasting and praying. Whether literally true or exaggerated, these stories were meant to show his extraordinary devotion and self-denial.

Ebrbuhar was also believed to possess divine wisdom and spiritual insight. His followers considered him a saintly man filled with heavenly inspiration and revelation.

Miracles and Healing Powers

Many people believed that Ebrbuhar had the power to heal the sick. According to the account, people suffering from illness traveled from distant countries to seek his blessing and prayers.

The stories claimed that many of these sick visitors returned home healthy and cured after meeting him. Such miracle stories greatly increased his reputation and helped spread devotion to his order.

Whether these miracles were historical facts or expressions of religious admiration, they played an important role in strengthening the faith of his followers.

The Religious Order of the Ebrbuharee

The religious order known as the Ebrbuharee was founded by a holy man named Ebrbuhar, from whom the order received its name. Ebrbuhar followed the teachings and spiritual rules of his master, Nacshbende, who was also regarded as the spiritual source of other famous religious orders, including the Mevlevi dervishes.

The Ebrbuharee order became one of the respected spiritual communities within the Ottoman Empire. Like many dervish groups, its members devoted themselves to religion, prayer, discipline, and spiritual instruction Istanbul Day Tour.

Source of the Information

The author explains that the following description was given to him directly by a learned Turkish man whom he trusted as a reliable source. This man had completed the pilgrimage to Mecca and was therefore known as a Hadji, or pilgrim.

Because the man had personally studied the customs and history of this religious order, the author believed his information to be authentic and worthy of record. The author therefore presents the account almost exactly as it was originally explained to him.

The Foundation in Constantinople

According to the account, Sultan Bayezid established a mosque and convent in Constantinople in the Islamic year 911. This religious foundation was dedicated to the holy Emir Ebrbuhar, who was believed to be connected by ancestry to the Prophet Muhammad.

The Ottoman rulers showed great respect toward saints and religious leaders who were thought to possess holiness, wisdom, and spiritual power. The convent dedicated to Ebrbuhar became an important place of worship and devotion within the city.

Later, Sultan Selim added a public fountain of water to the complex, increasing its beauty and usefulness for visitors, worshippers, and travelers.

Reputation of Ebrbuhar

Ebrbuhar was remembered as a man famous both for his outward behavior and for the spiritual qualities of his soul. According to tradition, he lived a holy and disciplined life and became widely respected among the people.

Many stories described him as a miracle worker. Believers claimed that he performed extraordinary acts through divine assistance and that his prayers brought blessings and healing to others.

Because of these stories, his tomb and religious foundation attracted many visitors who hoped to receive spiritual comfort and blessing through their connection to him.

Religious Importance of Saints

The respect shown to Ebrbuhar reflects the important place that saints and holy men held within Ottoman religious culture. Although Islamic teaching emphasized the worship of God alone, many ordinary Muslims admired saints as examples of holiness and believed that their prayers carried special spiritual power.

Mosques, tombs, fountains, and convents connected to famous saints often became centers of pilgrimage and devotion. People visited them to pray, seek blessings, and remember the lives of respected religious figures.

Such practices became especially common among mystical religious orders and dervish communities throughout the Ottoman Empire.

The Dervish Monasteries and Their Travels

Monasteries Across the Ottoman Empire

The dervishes maintained monasteries and religious houses in many of the most important cities and regions of the Ottoman Empire. These monasteries served not only as places of worship and spiritual retreat, but also as inns and resting places for traveling members of their order.

Whenever dervishes journeyed from one place to another, they could stay in these convents and receive food, shelter, and hospitality. In this way, the monasteries formed a large network spread across the empire and beyond Istanbul Day Tour.

The dervishes depended greatly on charity, donations, and the support of these religious houses during their travels.

Their Constant Travels

Among all the religious groups in the Ottoman world, the dervishes were especially known for their constant movement and long journeys. They traveled widely through lands where Islam was practiced, claiming that their purpose was to preach religion and strengthen the faith of believers.

Their travels took them far beyond the Ottoman Empire into Persia, China, and the territories of the Mughal Empire in India. Because they moved freely across borders and between different regions, they became very knowledgeable about politics, trade, local customs, and military affairs.

For this reason, many people believed that the dervishes acted as excellent spies and informants. Their ability to travel unnoticed and gather information made them valuable sources of intelligence throughout the eastern world.

A Famous Monastery in Adrianople

The author recalls seeing the ruins of one of these monasteries in Adrianople, known today as Edirne. The convent had once stood on a beautiful hill with clean air and a magnificent view overlooking the entire city and the surrounding plains.

The location had been admired for its beauty and peaceful atmosphere. However, by the time the author saw it, the monastery had already been destroyed.

When he asked about the reason for its destruction, he learned that it had been demolished by order of the famous Ottoman grand vizier Köprülü.

Scandal and Destruction

According to the story, the monastery had become a meeting place for immoral behavior and public scandal. Instead of serving as a center of devotion and spirituality, it was accused of becoming a gathering place for dishonest women and young men seeking forbidden pleasures.

The author claims that wealthy Turkish husbands allowed their wives to visit the monastery freely because they respected the holiness and reputation of the dervishes. The convent was believed to be a sacred and trustworthy place.

However, it was later discovered that some people used this trust dishonorably. Secret meetings and improper relationships were said to take place there, and the scandal became widely known throughout the city.

Because the situation became too public and disgraceful, the grand vizier ordered the complete destruction of the monastery. The entire foundation of the building was torn down so that no trace of it remained.

Egyptian Dervishes and the Legend of Saint Kederlee

A Famous Monastery in Egypt

There was a well-known monastery of dervishes in Egypt dedicated to a saint called Kederlee. According to the stories told by the dervishes, this saint was believed to be the same person as Saint George. The dervishes spoke about him with deep respect and honor, and many religious groups within the Ottoman world shared admiration for him.

The stories described Kederlee as a brave horseman and heroic protector who fought against dragons and dangerous creatures. Much like the legends surrounding Saint George in Christian tradition, he was seen as a defender of good people against evil and harm.

Even after his death, the dervishes believed that God had granted him special powers to continue helping people in times of danger and suffering Istanbul Tour Guide.

Protector of Travelers and Sailors

The followers of Kederlee believed that he especially protected travelers and sailors who were in danger at sea. Whenever ships faced storms or the threat of shipwreck, people prayed for his assistance.

According to the stories, Kederlee could travel with miraculous speed from one part of the world to another in only a moment. The dervishes claimed that he appeared suddenly to rescue those who sincerely called upon him during moments of fear and desperation.

These beliefs made him one of the most beloved spiritual protectors among many ordinary people.

Powers Over Serpents and Poisonous Creatures

The Egyptian dervishes also claimed to possess special powers received through the blessing of Kederlee. They believed they could charm snakes, serpents, and other poisonous creatures without fear of injury.

According to these accounts, the dervishes handled dangerous snakes as calmly and easily as ordinary people handle harmless domestic animals. Some were said to gather large numbers of serpents into bags and separate them with their bare hands without being bitten.

Others supposedly had the ability to stop snakes from moving simply by speaking certain words or charms. Along the banks of the Nile River, these men were believed to control poisonous animals through inherited spiritual gifts.

Some claimed these powers were passed down naturally from parents to children, while others believed such abilities were rewards given by God because of holiness, virtue, and spiritual devotion.

Sacred Animals and Religious Legends

These Egyptian dervishes also honored the horse of Saint George and believed it held a sacred place in Paradise. Among the Turks, several animals were treated with special respect because of their connection to holy figures and religious stories.

According to popular belief, these honored animals included:

The donkey upon which Christ rode

The camel of the Prophet Muhammad

The dog of the Seven Sleepers

The horse of Saint George

These traditions mixed religious legend, popular storytelling, and spiritual imagination. Such stories became an important part of folk religion and popular belief throughout the Ottoman world.