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A Halvetî-Sünbülî sheikh; the figure to whom one of the best known places of visitation in Istanbul belongs.
He was probably born in 868 (1463) in the village of Sarı Mahmudlu in Denizli. His real name was Mûsâ and his epithet Muslihuddin. After studying fifteen years at Bursa he went to Istanbul.
At first he wished to become a disciple of Habîb Karamânî, but was not accepted. He thereupon attached himself to Mirza Baba, the sheikh of the Mirza Baba lodge, and married his daughter. His joining the lodge came about when Sünbül Efendi entered his room in a dream and gave him the epithet Merkez.
It is stated that he received the title Merkez from Sünbül Efendi's compliment: "You are … the centre of this circle of ours…".
He was sent to Manisa by Hafsa Sultan and served at the complex there.
On the death of Sünbül Efendi in 936 (1529) he succeeded him at the Koca Mustafa Paşa lodge. He formed a close relationship with Süleyman the Magnificent and in 943 (1537) was appointed sheikh of the army.
He married Şah Sultan, the daughter of Selim I; Ahmed Çelebi was born of this marriage. From his first marriage he had children named Derviş Çelebi, Ali Çelebi and Ümmü Hatun.
He died in 959 (1552).
His Circle of Influence — He founded lodges and dervish houses at Eyüp, Davutpaşa, Yenikapı and Tire. One of his prominent deputies was his son Ahmed Çelebi.
His Works — He left no composed work; there are hymns written under the pen name Merkezî.
His Tomb and Complex — He was buried outside Mevlânâkapı beside the lodge that bears his name. His tomb is one of the important places of visitation in Istanbul.
Differing Scholarly Views
🔴 The report about the mesir paste is NOT SUPPORTED by the sources. Concerning the claims attributed to him about the mesir paste at Manisa the source speaks plainly: these claims are not supported by the sources. The atlas does not erase the widespread account but writes that it is unverified (principle 6).
The date of his birth is a probability. The source says probably 868 (1463); it is not a firm record.
His initiation rests on a report of a dream. Sünbül Efendi's entering his room in a dream and giving him his epithet is a transmitted report; the atlas carries it in that mood.
Sources
- TDV İslâm Ansiklopedisi (DİA) — Reşat Öngören · vol. 29, pp. 200-202, entry “MERKEZ EFENDİ”
The sources for this record are listed below (Mandatory Sources).
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Permanent ID: EA-Z-000055 · this address reaches the same record even if its name changes; use it when citing.
External records: TDV Encyclopedia of Islam article