500-year-old Alevi lodge to be renovated in Merdivenköy

The Alevi place of worship, or cemevi, and the dergah (lodge) at the Şahkulu Sultan Center located in Merdivenköy on the Anatolian side of İstanbul are among the 14 lodges established in the city during the Ottoman period.

The lodge is currently used for religious ceremonies and conferences.

Renovation of the lodge complex, which sits on an area of 8,000 square meters, is expected to be completed in 2012. The complex includes a cemevi, a soup kitchen, a conference hall, a library, offices and a mansion, “Dedebaba Konağı.”