About
The lodge was built in the 17th century by Celveti Sheikh Tâceddinzâde Mustafa Efendi and underwent restoration during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. Documents from that restoration describe the complex as consisting of a mosque, a lodge, a tomb, and dervish quarters. In 1892, during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II, the mosque, minaret, and tomb were demolished and rebuilt. Constructed in a rectangular plan using local Ankara andesite stone, the structure reflects traditional regional architecture. The renowned poet Mehmed Âkif Ersoy composed the Turkish National Anthem (İstiklâl Marşı) in 1921 in the selamlık (men’s reception hall) section of this building. In 1949, the structure was converted into the Mehmet Akif Ersoy Museum and opened to visitors. The museum exhibits include Ersoy’s personal belongings such as his pocket watch, eyeglasses, prayer beads, rifle, and wax statues.