Açıkbaş Mahmûd Efendi

Açıkbaş Mahmûd Efendi was among the saints who lived in Anatolia in the seventeenth century. The sources contain no precise information regarding his date of birth. He is remembered as a personage who was educated in the religious sciences and advanced along the path of Sufism. The bestowal of the epithet "Açıkbaş" (the bare-headed) upon him is associated with his habit of going about with his head uncovered; according to the sources, in this respect he was known as a saint in whom the state of spiritual ecstasy (cezbe) was prominent, one turned toward his inner state rather than his outward appearance. It is related that his words touched hearts and guided people toward the right path. It is stated that he spent his life in learning and spiritual guidance, that he guided the people around him, and that he occupied himself with their spiritual edification. According to the sources, he possessed a dignified and influential character; in his discourses he had a quality that affected his listeners and penetrated their hearts. In the period in which he lived, he took part in the spiritual life of Bursa and, through his scholarly and mystical aspect, became a figure beloved by those around him. The record concerning his passing is clear: he died in Bursa on Friday, 15 October 1666 (15 Rebîülâhir 1077), at the time of the afternoon prayer. His remains were interred in the western part of the courtyard cemetery (hazîre) of the Dâye Hâtun Mosque in Bursa. It is related that his grave is visited and that he is remembered by those who love him. Information about his life and works is found in the biographical sources of the Ottoman period, especially in works dealing with the saints of Bursa. These sources have recorded his scholarly personality, his mystical journey, and the influence he left behind. He is remembered as one of the foremost figures of the spiritual life in the Bursa of his time.