Located within just minutes walking distance from the central roundabout in the heart of the city, Sinanpaşa Külliyesi (See-nahn-pah-shah koo-leh-see) is where you can encounter a renovated modern social services facility. Original construction of the building started in 1572 and was completed in 1582. Recent renovation proposals started in 2006 and the current version of the complex was finished in 2020.
This complex of a mosque, madrasa, soup kitchen, inn, guest housing, and a children’s school was developed by Sinan Pasha, who was an Ottoman Grand Admiral during the 16th century. He is known for his conquests in the Mediterranean Sea Region. He desired for those on pilgrimage to have a waypoint with access to necessary care.
The complex underwent an extensive renovation and now the facilities have been made fully open to the public. Though, the services offered in this facility vary from the original services provided to people in the community on their way to Mecca for pilgrimage, the underlying intent to serve the community through practical means remains intact.
Multiple rooms have been set aside specifically for children to learn woodworking, 3-D printing, coding & robotics skills. Activities are typically available on the weekends for groups or through organized events but the staff are more than willing to give hands on experience for children and adults alike at other occasions. Even during the less busy months staff from the complex arrange visits to village schools of Yenişehir (Yeh-nee-sheh-heer) county to provide educational opportunities to children with less access to modern learning methods.
Women in the community are offered a chance to learn how to own/operate a kitchen where they are presented the opportunity to manage the food services in preparation for starting their own restaurant/cafe. The outdoor dining area is picturesque in the courtyard of the complex. Meals are usually less expensive when compared to the typical cost of a meal at an established restaurant and one can enjoy the view of the yet to be restored historical covered market sitting adjacent.
Space has been made available for new businesses started by women to have access to a free of charge office space as they embark on their new journey. Tables, computers, seminar space, seating, and telecommunications among other benefits are at the fingertips of these entrepreneurs. Microcredit is another service offered to groups of women as they seek to carry-out their business dreams. On-site there are a few women educators who are leading classes on handmade artwork (sewing, silk handiwork, purses, pillow cases, etc.). Special requests can be made as items are available for purchase.
Two rooms are available for the possibility to host educational seminars or events. Reservations can be made ahead of time for no charge. One room has a seating capacity of 20 while the second has space for up to 100. Included in the facilities are a projector, screen, chairs, and if needed, tables.
Some of the original handmade Iznik ceramic tiles that were a part of the beauty of the mosque, once lost after the 1999 earthquake, have since been returned and either replaced on the minaret or housed in the Anakara Ethnography Museum. Though the mosque is currently locked and unavailable to the public at all times, special requests can be made with the staff on-site to unlock and tour the inside.
I had planned on seeing and hearing about neat ancient history at Sinan Pasha Complex, but instead was drawn in to the living history of local services provided to empower others. So if you consider yourself someone who is interesting in learning about active socio-economical programs with a historical thread, Sinan Pasha Complex is a perfect blend!
Contact information for the complex:
- Instagram: @yengim16
- Address: Yeni Mahalle Namazgâh Cad. No:1 Yenişehir/Bursa
- Telephone: 0224 773 00 16
- Email: yengim@bursa-yenisehir.bel.tr
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