Beşirağa Medresesi

Hacı Beşir Ağa is a prominent statesman who held the position of Chief of the Imperial Harem in the Ottoman palace and became one of the most influential figures in this role. Serving for nearly thirty years during the reigns of Ahmed III and Mahmud I, Beşir Ağa attained a very powerful position in palace politics. He mobilized this power for the construction of charitable works. He built the Beşir Ağa Mosque, fountains, madrasas, and libraries in Istanbul. He also provided significant services to Mecca and Medina; he constructed a madrasa near the Prophet's Mosque. This madrasa in Medina constitutes an important link in the Ottoman's scholarly investments in the holy lands. Beşir Ağa passed away in 1159 AH / 1746 AD and was buried in Eyüp. [Source: "Beşir Ağa, Hacı", TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/besir-aga-haci]