History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
His Holiness Seyyid Fehim Arvasi (1825-1895) was one of the most distinguished Islamic scholars, saints and Naqshbandi mentors of Eastern Anatolia during the Ottoman period. He educated thousands of students in the madrasah he founded in Arvas (Doğanyayla) Village, which has been a center of knowledge for centuries; He was the teacher of great scientists of the period such as Seyyid Abdülhakim Arvasi. In the legends told from generation to generation, Seyyid Fehim Arvasi's blessings and miracles, the humility and love of science he instilled in his students, and the spiritual strength he provided to his students on the mountain roads that were closed for months during the winter months are remembered with awe. The social complex is a spiritual shelter consisting of a centuries-old mausoleum building, a historical masjid and a ulema cemetery. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The social complex is located in the northeast of Bahçesaray district center, at an altitude of approximately 1,880 meters at the bottom of the Arvas Creek valley. It is surrounded by high snowy mountain ranges, walnut trees and crystal mountain springs. A cool and peaceful valley climate prevails during the summer months. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:It is a spiritual place open to the public and entrance is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days:It is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Morning prayer and afternoon prayer are the most preferred times for spiritual serenity.•Rules and Spirituality:Absolute silence is essential in the tomb and burial area. One should visit the cemetery in attire appropriate to Islamic etiquette, and the etiquette of prayer and recitation should be observed in the cemetery.•Facilities and Facilities:There is an ablution facility, a historical masjid, a fountain, men's and women's sinks and resting benches. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Doğanyayla (Arvas) District, Köy İçi Mevkii, Bahçesaray / Van.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 14 km away from Bahçesaray district center. The road is asphalt paved and is a winding mountain route; It can be easily reached by passenger vehicles. Winter tires are mandatory in winter.•Real Public Transportation Information: Transportation from Bahçesaray district center to Doğanya (Arvas) is provided by village minibuses and taxis.•Parking Availability:There is a free parking area for 40 vehicles at the entrance of the complex. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: Visitors are advised to pray with a decent posture, reciting Fatiha and Yasin-i Sharif on their heads, without circumambulating the tomb with ablution.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:The historical stonework of the complex and the centuries-old tombstones in the cemetery can be photographed in a dignified manner; Selfies should not be taken inside the tomb.•Important Commemoration Days:Great spiritual enthusiasm is experienced at holy candle nights, Fridays and traditional Arvas commemoration gatherings held in the summer months.•Local Spiritual Tradition:It is a centuries-old tradition to offer halva, Mevlit candy and Arvas spring water to the guests after the visit.