A leading service foundation protecting our deep-rooted cultural and spiritual heritage in the light of universal values, and transmitting Alevi-Bektashi faith and culture to future generations with a scientific approach.
Erikli Baba Foundation carries out sustainable works to research and document the Bektashi tradition and Alevi-Bektashi heritage with scientific methods, keeping it alive in social memory.
"Societies that know their past, protect their culture, and unite around common values move more confidently into the future." Dursun Aydoğdu — Chairman of the Board
The historical journey of Kazlıçeşme Bektashi Lodge from its foundation to the present gains meaning when oral tradition, archival documents and social memory are read together.
Kazlıçeşme Bektashi Lodge, known today as Erikli Baba Dergahı, is one of Istanbul's ancient and established lodges. Located along the Zeytinburnu, Yedikule and Kazlıçeşme line, this center requires careful reading that bridges legend, archive and living memory.
Its foundation is attributed to Seyit Muhammed Eryek Baba, and it has been narrated as a center of spiritual wisdom, service and the path for centuries.
Explore ServicesFounder of the lodge; considered among the pioneering figures of the Akhi tradition who contributed to the Turkification and settlement of the region.
With the Fatih period development, the lodge continued to draw from the Akhi tradition while Bektashism came to the fore from the 16th century onward.
The 12-flanged Husayni crowned tombstone in the cemetery dates to this period; Ebu Şemi Sultan is recorded as the person who had the lodge repaired.
On July 16, 1826, the lodge was raided; Hüseyin Baba and his dervishes were arrested and exiled. The lodge was demolished and its stones sold at auction.
After the Tanzimat reforms, the lodge was revitalized. Travels to Rumelia along the Edirne, Thessaloniki and Niş route were recorded.
The document dated April 20, 1868 records a monetary donation, the endowment of an adjacent house, and the tombs in the lodge cemetery.
In response to a Qadiri sheikh's claim to the lodge leadership, the people of Kazlıçeşme jointly petitioned and İbrahim Münir Baba was appointed.
Abdullah Baba, who assumed duty on September 23, 1909, was the last postnişin to witness Law No. 677.
Naki Baba's declaration 'The day has come to close our lodge and hand over the keys to the officials of our republic' is among the critical texts of the period.
Over the past 30 years, the lodge has been serving as a cemevi; Erikli Baba Education and Culture Foundation preserves the documentary and cultural heritage.
Erikli Baba Lodge is a 700-year tradition of spiritual wisdom spanning from the 14th century to the present day. It was destroyed by the edict of Mahmud II in 1826, its postnişin Hüseyin Baba sent into exile. But through the grace of its friends, it rose from the ashes and reached the present day.
If this lodge still stands, it is always thanks to your support. Make a donation to help sustain this ancient heritage.