Commissioned by Sultan Abdülhamid II in 1305 AH (1887–88 CE) for Sheikh Muhammed Zafir Efendi of the Shadhiliyya order, the Sheikh Zafir Complex was built beside the Ertuğrul Lodge in Beşiktaş, which is now used as a mosque. Constructed between 1903 and 1904, the complex consists of a mausoleum, a library, and a fountain.

After Sheikh Zafir Efendi passed away on October 2, 1903, he was buried in the cemetery of the Ertuğrul Lodge. That same year, a project for his mausoleum was commissioned from Raimondo D’Aronco, the court architect. Sketches and drawings from the Udine Museum Archive in Italy document that D’Aronco conducted extensive studies and design trials for this project.

Having gained deep knowledge of Ottoman architecture during his restoration work following the 1894 earthquake, D’Aronco was also a master of the Art Nouveau style. He successfully blended these seemingly contrasting elements in this modest yet highly refined work. In the history of architecture, the complex is recognized as an exceptional example of Art Nouveau/Secession style integrated harmoniously into a historic setting.

The mausoleum adheres to the traditional Ottoman square-plan layout and massing 
(8.50 × 8.50 m). The dome, a defining element of Ottoman architectural design, retains its prominent position in the structure.

As ALBA İnşaat, we completed the restoration of the complex between 2018 and 2019.