Aksemseddin Excellency Tomb

Akşemseddin (1389-1459) passed away in Göynük. His real name was Mehmet Şemseddin, and he was a versatile Islamic scholar and scientist.

He was born in Damascus in 1389 as the son of Hamza. Akşemseddin's lineage traces back to Abu Bakr on his father's side, 15 generations back. He received his initial education from his father, becoming a hafiz (one who has memorized the entire Quran) at the age of 7, and then settled with his family in the Kavak district of Samsun. After his father's death, he completed his education at the madrasas of Amasya and Osmancık, receiving the title of müderris (teacher) and becoming a müderris at the Osmancık Madrasa. Akşemseddin also developed an interest in medicine and pharmacy, learning medical science. Due to his interest in Sufism, Akşemseddin first traveled to Iran, but, not finding what he was looking for, he was forced to return to Anatolia.

Akşemseddin, upon arriving in Ankara, disliked the practices of Hacı Bayram Veli's students, such as accepting alms and donations, and performing devotional rituals in the marketplace, all under the guise of self-discipline, helping the poor, and providing for the needy. Therefore, he left Ankara and went to Aleppo to seek another spiritual guide. One night in Aleppo, he dreamt of a chain around his neck, the other end of which was in Hacı Bayram Veli's hand, pulling him towards Ankara. Following this dream, he returned to Ankara. Having quickly learned all the paths and subtleties of Sufism, Akşemseddin received authorization from Hacı Bayram Veli and was crowned with the title of caliph.

After this, with permission from Hacı Bayram Veli, he left Ankara and settled in Beypazarı. Akşemseddin gained great fame in Beypazarı, but soon left there as well and settled in İskilip. He left İskilip again due to the same reason of seeking refuge and settled in Göynük district of Bolu. In Göynük, he again had a mill and a mosque built, devoted himself to the education and upbringing of his children, wrote his existing works, and had the opportunity to go on pilgrimage seven times. Although it is mentioned that Akşemseddin had two children, other existing sources only mention ten children.

The conquest of Istanbul and Akşemseddin's true fame began with his appointment as the tutor of Mehmed II at the command and request of Murad II. Akşemseddin served as an advisor to Mehmed II and contributed to the conquest of Istanbul. Akşemseddin, along with his children, students, and disciples, joined the conquering army.