Life and works of Ahi Çelebi

Historical information about Ahi-order, which gradually turned into a powerful institution in the socio-cultural and economic structure of Anatolia, is closely related to the presence of Turks here. It is understood that institution of Ahi-order which later became an economic structure and turned into an artisan organization among Turks settling mainly in Anatolia by 11th century was actually fed from the tradition of Turkish-Islamic guild whose roots went back to previous centuries. Sheikh Nasîruddin Mahmûd Ahi Evran bin Abbas (died in 1262) known also as the father of tanner tradition apart from being the founder of Ahi-order in Anatolia was shortly called as Ahi Evran (Evren). Although he had a historical identity, his real personality disappeared in anecdotes. Founded by Ahi Evran as its founder, this institution has guided all artisans and craftmen and organized their works for centuries. In time, people in Ahi-order promoted to importnat govermental missions. Among these people Ahi Çelebi was a Turkish physician, doctor and surgeon who lived in the periods of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, Bazeyid the 2nd, Yavuz Sultan Selim and Suleiman the Magnificent and became the head doctor three times. Ahi Çelebi wrote many books in medicine. Among them, the most known work was the one that he wrote on kidney stones. No studies on Ahi Çelebi's other works have been conducted and they need to be researched. Ahi Çelebi, who loved charity works, had many foundations such as mosques, fountains, baths, schools, junior high schools and academies. Ahi Çelebi Mosque is in Eminönü, Istanbul. It is well-known because it is the famous mosque that Evliya Çelebi saw in his dream. It was exposed to many natural disasters and its architectural feature disappeared. Ahi Çelebi fountain is on the corner of the mosque. Ahi Çelebi Bath, School, Junior High School and Academy are in Edirne. Ahi Çelebi endowed the incomes of many shops, vaults, rooms, baths and stores for the mosque in Istanbul and the educational institutions in Edirne. When we observe the officials charged by Ahi Çelebi foundation, from the variety of missions we realize how wide the working area of the foundation is. In addition, there are quraters, districts, places, and hermitages established under the name of Ahi Çelebi. Key Words: Ahi-order, Turkish-Islamic guild, Head doctor, Medicine, Foundation, Hermitage