SECTION XXI.

Of the Tekíeh, or Convents of Dervíshes.

The most ancient of these is the one founded by Mohammed II., within the grand gate of Ayá Sófíya, and is called Sirkejí Tekíeh. It was founded when Moslema and Eyúb besieged Constantinople, and was afterwards turned into a nunnery; but on Mohammed’s conquering Constantinople he again made it a convent. Its first Sheikh was Oveis, who had the charge of seventy-four disciples. He was buried at Damascus, near Belál the Abyssinian: may God sanctify his secret state! The other tekíehs are those of Ak-shems-ud-dín, near Alí Páshá; of Emír Najárí; of Sofílar; of Khoájeh Mustafá Páshá; of Umm-sinán; of Sívásí; of Táváshí Mohammed Aghá, near Ayá Sófiya; of Erdebílí; of Sunbul Efendí; and of Gulshení at Ak-Seráï.