Travel Point Overview

The foundation of Kırşehir’s title as "Ahi City" lies in Ahi Evran-ı Veli, the founder of Ahilik, and the Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb, built in his honor. Recognized as the spiritual center of Ahilik, this structure is not only a place of worship but also a

Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb: The Heart of Ahilik in Kırşehir

The foundation of Kırşehir’s title as "Ahi City" lies in Ahi Evran-ı Veli, the founder of Ahilik, and the Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb, built in his honor. Recognized as the spiritual center of Ahilik, this structure is not only a place of worship but also a cultural heritage site.

Built in 1482 (according to some sources, 1432), the Ahi Evran Mosque, also known as "Ahi Evran Zaviyesi", served as a dervish lodge (zaviye) where traveling Ahis and dervishes found shelter while spreading Turkish and Islamic culture. Over time, this structure became the center of Ahilik, initially functioning as a zaviye and tekke before being transformed into a mosque.

Ahi Evran-ı Veli and the Ahilik Organization

Ahi Evran-ı Veli is a key historical figure known as the founder of the Ahilik system in Anatolia. Although there are different records regarding his birthplace and date, the most widely accepted information states that he was born in 1171 in Hoy, Iran, and lived and passed away in Kırşehir.

The Ahilik system, supported by Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli, grew during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, becoming one of the most significant economic and social organizations in Anatolia.

🔹 Ahilik was not just a guild for artisans and craftsmen; it was a way of life with moral and social principles.

🔹 The organization aimed to bring together skilled tradesmen, ensuring both professional and ethical development.

🔹 The core values of Ahilik included honesty, generosity, solidarity, integrity, modesty, and mutual assistance.

🔹 Apprentices had to go through various training stages, receiving not only professional skills but also ethical education.

Initiation into Ahilik: The "Peştemal Kuşanma" Ceremony

A candidate who wished to join the Ahilik organization had to undergo a special "Peştemal Kuşanma" (Girding the Towel) Ceremony. This ritual symbolized the individual’s readiness to embrace the ethical and professional principles of Ahilik.

🔸 The candidate would wrap and unwrap their peştemal (traditional cloth) seven times, symbolizing their commitment to righteousness and virtue.

🔸 Each movement represented closing the doors to negativity and opening new doors to goodness:

1. Closing the door to stinginess, opening the door to generosity.
2. Closing the door to oppression, opening the door to compassion.
3. Closing the door to greed, opening the door to contentment.
4. Closing the door to indulgence, opening the door to moderation.
5. Closing the door to worldly desires, opening the door to spirituality.
6. Closing the door to ignorance, opening the door to wisdom.
7. Closing the door to falsehood, opening the door to truth.

This ceremony proves that Ahilik was not merely a professional guild but a moral and ethical system.

Visiting Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb

The Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb reflect the architectural elegance of the Seljuk period. Its stone craftsmanship, intricate decorations, and historical atmosphere allow visitors to immerse themselves in the past.

📌 The tomb of Ahi Evran-ı Veli is located within the mosque complex, attracting those who wish to pay homage to the spiritual founder of Ahilik.

📌 Kırşehir hosts annual "Ahilik Week" celebrations, reviving traditional ceremonies and ensuring that this cultural legacy is passed on to future generations.

📌 The Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb are among Kırşehir’s most significant historical landmarks, bearing both architectural and cultural importance.

Travel Tips

✔ Explore Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb to experience the spirit of Ahilik.

✔ Attend the annual Ahilik Week celebrations to witness traditional rituals.

✔ Expand your tour by visiting other historical landmarks such as Cacabey Madrasah and Aşıkpaşa Mausoleum.

✔ Discover the legacy of Ahilik by visiting local craftsmen and artisans.

✔ Try the traditional flavors of Kırşehir at local restaurants.

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Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb: Preserving the Legacy of Ahilik

The Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb stand as the spiritual center of Ahilik, welcoming visitors to explore its deep cultural roots. As the foundation of Turkish artisan culture and social unity, this historical site represents the values of honesty, craftsmanship, and solidarity that have shaped Anatolian history.

Plan your journey to Kırşehir, step into this historical gateway to Kapadokya, and follow the traces of the Ahilik tradition! 🚀✨

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