Yenikapı Lodge

Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi at Merkezefendi borough of Zeytinburnu District in Istanbul, was built in 1598 by Malkoç Mehmed Efendi, the Chief Khalifa of Janissary. It could be summarized as a basic educational institution. Since many lessons were given there such as islamic sciences, music, botany, greenery and medicine therein. It is known that soon after its construction, this structure became the most important center of Mevleviyeh in Istanbul.

Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi, which underwent major repairs many times, has a Semahane (Whirl Hall), Masjid, 18 dervish cells, square room, harem, Matbah-ı Sharif (kitchen), dining hall, outbuilding, cistern, Sultan's Mahfil (the platform where muezzin make Sultan perform prayer), the mausoleum and mausoleum keeper's room.

Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi, which took its name from the city wall gate known as Mevlanakapı, played a role in the upbringing of many scholars and statesmen. Itri, Sheikh Galip, Ali Nutki, and Ismail Efendi are just some of the important personalities raised here through out history. Itri who is known as the Grand Master of music was one of the dervishes of Mevlevihane.

Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi, which is one of the historical heritage in the city and resembles a religious complex, is among the points to visit in Istanbul where çilehanes (Sufi houses), soup kitchens that distribute food for charity, madrasah, and library.