Corporate

Located in Kazlıçeşme, Erikli Baba Lodge is an important center of faith, culture, and wisdom with roots dating back to the founding years of the Ottoman Empire and the conquest of Istanbul. According to legend, the foundations of the lodge were laid by Eryek (Erikli) Baba, one of the Khorasan dervishes; for centuries, it has continued its existence as one of the important representative centers of the Sufi tradition, especially Bektashi culture, in Istanbul. Throughout history, this lodge, also known by different names such as Yedikule Lodge, Perişan Baba Lodge, and Zakirbaşı Lodge, has drawn attention with its place in cultural and social memory as much as its spiritual identity.

From the 18th century onwards, it is known that the lodge, which takes a more prominent place in archive records, was revived by Şem’î Ebubekir Ağa, a member of the Bektashi order. Important spiritual guides (postnişin) such as Şütürşümar Mehmed Baba, Hüseyin Baba, Perişan Mehmed Ali Baba, Hafız Mustafa Baba, and Abdullah Baba served in the lodge respectively; the lodge served not only as a place of worship and guidance, but also as a center for science, art, music, and social solidarity.

However, the spiritual legacy of the lodge was not interrupted; it was rebuilt under the leadership of Perişan Mehmed Ali Baba during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid and continued its activities. The revived lodge continued to be one of the important Bektashi centers of Istanbul until the closure of lodges and hermitages in 1925.

The lodge, which also undertook important duties during the years of the National Struggle, is known to have provided logistical support in the shipment of weapons to Anatolia during the occupation period and thus contributed to the national resistance. In the Republican era, the structure, which fell into disrepair over time, was largely destroyed due to industrial activities in its surroundings; however, it has maintained its place in memory thanks to the historical and spiritual value it carries.

Erikli Baba Lodge, which was revived with the restoration process and works started in 1993, today serves as an important center where cultural, artistic, and religious activities are carried out in accordance with its historical identity. Cem, Funeral (Hakk’a Yürüme), Marriage, and Godparenting (Kirvelik) rituals; Lokma, Fortieth Day, and Anniversary meals; Semah, Baglama, English, and Punch training, and also cultural events and social solidarity activities are held at the lodge; the tradition of wisdom, unity, and sharing that has continued for centuries continues to be kept alive.