Abandoned stones of historic Orhan Gazi Imaret await restoration in Türkiye

The 693-year-old Orhan Gazi Imaret, the first Ottoman charitable foundation in Bilecik, remains abandoned in the parking lot of the Sheikh Edebali Tomb, where its stones were relocated a year ago.

The Orhan Gazi Imaret, a significant historical landmark built in 1331-32 during the reign of Orhan Gazi, stands as one of the earliest social aid centers in the Ottoman Empire.

Originally located in the Old Bilecik area, this important structure was dismantled and moved to the Sheikh Edebali Tomb’s parking area in 2022 due to a looming landslide threat. However, these historic stones have been left unprotected and without restoration, drawing concern from locals and visitors.

Visitors demand immediate restoration of Orhan Gazi Imaret

Sheikh Edebali Tomb, a major attraction in Bilecik that attracts thousands of visitors every weekend, now hosts a fenced-off section in its parking lot, where the historic stones lie abandoned.

Upon discovering that these stones belong to the first Ottoman imaret, visitors and locals alike are urging authorities to restore the structure promptly to preserve its historical significance.

The neglect of such a culturally important site raises serious concerns about the preservation of Türkiye’s rich heritage.

There is a growing demand for immediate intervention to protect and restore the Orhan Gazi Imaret, ensuring it remains a proud part of Bilecik’s history.