Saints and Tombs of Kastamonu

Sheikh Mehmed Efendi (of Daday)

Born in Sofular village (Daday, Kastamonu), Sheikh Mehmed Efendi is named among the deputies personally licensed by Şeyh Şâbân-ı Velî, thus belonging to the Halvetiyye-Şâbâniyye lineage. He settled in the Kuzyaka area as a spiritual guide and died in 1662. His tomb stands in Kuzyaka, in the Akçasu quarter of Şeyh village, beside the Akçasu Mosque. (Sources: Fazıl Çifçi, 'Kastamonu Mosques and Tombs', Kastamonu Municipality; Evliyalar.net compilation)

Haddadizade Sheikh Seyyid Ahmed Siyahi Efendi

Sayyid, Sheikh

A saint of the Halidiyye-Nakshibendiyye path in Kastamonu. Because he constantly wore a black turban, he was given the epithet 'Siyahi' by Mevlana Halid-i Baghdadi; he received his authorization and returned to Kastamonu in 1827. He died around the age of ninety-five in 1874 (AH 1291); per his bequest no domed tomb was built over his grave, which lies in central Kastamonu.

Benli Sultan (Sheikh Mehmed Muhyiddin Efendi)

Sultan, Sheikh

A saint whose real name was Muhyiddin, known as 'Benli Sultan' due to a large mole (ben) on his cheek. Believed to have lived in the 16th century, he carried out spiritual teaching and trained students in the region for a long time. His tomb and complex are in Ahlat village near Kastamonu, on the foothills of Mount Ilgaz; the complex was built during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim.

Seyyid Sunneti Efendi

Sayyid, Sheikh

Represented the Halvetiyye order in Kastamonu before Sha'ban-i Veli and was the original founder of the lodge that later became the Sha'ban-i Veli complex. Living in the 15th century, he built the first small mosque forming the nucleus of the complex. He is buried in the cemetery of the complex he founded.

Sheikh Sha'ban-i Veli

Hazret-i Pir

Founder of the Sha'baniyye branch of the Halvetiyye Sufi order. Born in Taşköprü, he became a disciple of Hayreddin-i Tokadî in Bolu, then settled in Kastamonu where he carried out his spiritual teaching. He died in 1569 and is buried in the tomb of his lodge in Kastamonu; he is counted among the spiritual poles of Anatolia.