Historical Elvan Bey Lodge and Imaret

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Elvan Bey Zaviye (also known as Elvan Bey Imaret or Sinan Bey Zawiye) is one of the most valuable works of early Ottoman period architecture, built between 1450-1452 by Elvan Bey, one of the rulers of the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror. The building, which is the only representative of the 'T' planned (with tabhane / lodge) Ottoman mosque and soup kitchen architecture in Sakarya; It attracts attention with its alternating cut stone and brick masonry, arched porticoes and dome passages. For centuries, it has been a charitable center providing free food and shelter to travelers, dervishes and the poor on the Silk Road and pilgrimage caravans. According to popular narrative, the boiler of Elvan Bey's soup kitchen has never gone out for centuries, and no passenger who enters through this door, hungry or helpless, has ever been turned away. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features The lodge is located in the Geyve district center, on the fertile alluvial plain of the Sakarya River and Geyve Gorge, at an altitude of approximately 95 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by centuries-old plane trees, orchards and the traditional texture of Geyve. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees