Sadaka taşı Istanbul
Politeness and lack of greed
Zekeriya from Istanbul
So this is a new discovery for me as well. Last week I was on a stroll in the depths of İstanbul where I came across this small pillar stone. It's called sadaka taşı (charity stone). During the Ottoman period these structures were erected at certain points of the city. The sole purpose of this was the fair connection between the people with money and the poor (or the beggars). It's a very polite gesture that shows the elaborateness of the public during those periods.
These small pillar stones represent the modern donation system but openly. Usually placed within mosque complexes and in a very hidden corner. It's almost as tall as a human or maybe a little taller. There is a cavity on the very top. So people who wanted to do charity would place whatever amount they wanted in this cavity. The people with need would only take the amount they needed and leave the rest for the others. No one was offended by begging nor by paying a beggar.
The system worked fine until the descent of the Empire. As seen in the picture some still exist. So if you get to see one now you know what it stands for. No, I wouldn't suggest for you to leave any money there.
Istanbul Spotter Zekeriya
About this spot
Sümbül Efendi ağa
- 07:00 - 22:00 daily
TL
free
Our Istanbul City Guide
Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Lil Bake
Lovely spot for a sweet snack
Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...
by
Cemre
Sandal
Banyan
High-end Asian fusion in Ortakoy
"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
Emre
Kamar
Vogue Restaurant Bar
Molecular cocktails & sushi
"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
Emre
Kamar
Grand Bazaar
Fat round evil eyes
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Norm Coffee
Such a cozy spot
"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Forno Balat
Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn
"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
Emre
Kamar
Groove
A cosy music store
"Groove" is my suggestion for music lovers who're in Istanbul looking for record shops! Sami, "the music doctor", will guide you through this journey...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Letter Opener
A gorgeous gift
"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Tortoise Trainer
Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Turkish Tea
Enjoy a glass of tea
Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant
The best haricot bean
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Heading to Istanbul?
241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 241 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
