The Time of Sultan Orhan
During the reign of Orhan, the second king of the Turks, who ruled for thirty-five years, a famous holy man lived in the city of Bursa (then an important capital). Orhan ruled for a long period and died around the year 716 of the Hijra calendar.
In that time, a well-known religious figure named Herewi appeared. He was respected as a Santon, meaning a holy wandering mystic.
The Life of the Holy Man
Herewi lived a very simple and poor life. He spent his days walking through the streets and showing kindness to animals. One of his habits was to buy the organs and leftover parts of animals from butchers, such as livers and other parts, and give them as food to cats and dogs Istanbul Day Trip.
He believed that helping even the smallest creatures was a form of worship and mercy.
He lived with great humility, always crying and praying. People believed that his devotion was so strong that even angels would come down from heaven to witness his prayers and suffering.
The Meeting with Sultan Orhan
When Sultan Orhan heard about this holy man, he became curious and decided to meet him. He wanted to understand the truth about his life and behavior.
The Sultan spoke with Herewi and asked about his past. The holy man then told his story.
He explained that he was not always poor. In fact, he once lived like a king. He said he came from a noble line and once ruled great lands. He had armies, power, and wealth, and people feared his name.
He mentioned that he once controlled regions near the great rivers such as the Nile, Euphrates, and Tigris. He lived in luxury, wore fine clothes, and possessed precious stones and weapons.
But over time, he realized that all of this power and wealth was temporary and meaningless.
Turning Away from the World
After this realization, Herewi decided to leave his royal life. He gave up his throne, wealth, and authority. He chose instead to live in solitude and dedicate himself fully to God.
He believed that true peace comes not from power or riches, but from simplicity, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
The Sultan’s Reaction
Sultan Orhan was deeply impressed by this story. He became respectful and even humble in front of the holy man.
The Sultan said that people who appear strange or even mad might actually be blessed with special wisdom. He believed that such individuals might be closer to God than ordinary rulers or soldiers.
Because of this belief, many Turks began to respect holy fools and wandering mystics, thinking they might be spiritually inspired.