Famous Personalities of the District
Zeytinburnu has been the place where many famous personages in music, thought, arts and sports was born or grown.
Many famous compositors are from especially Yenikapı Mevlevi Lodge. Hammamizade İsmail Dede Efendi, born in 1778 in Istanbul, developed and matured in live music environment of Yenikapı Mevlevi Lodge and the palace.
Again, Buhurizade Mustafa Efendi, one of the greatest composers of 17th century and known as Itri is a Mevlevi grown in Yenikapı Mevlevi Lodge. He was buried to Yenikapı Mevlevi Lodge after his death and today his gravestone is lost. Famous witty Neyzen Tevfik spent most of his time in Galata and Yenikapı Mevlevi Lodges when he came to Istanbul in 1898 for Madrasah education.
Famous composer Mesut Ekrem Cemil and Hasan-Ali YÜCEL, the former National Education Minister, are the personages participated in Yenikapı Mevlevi Lodge visits during their childhood.
Today, among the famous persons grown in Zeytinburnu are; Vocalists Adnan Şenses, Perihan Sözen and Vedat Çetinkaya; Zeki Sayar, architect, contributed to modern architecture conception in our country; Ahmet Poyrazoğlu, one of the last names continuing wandering minstrel tradition, Arif Şentürk, one of the most successful performers of Rumeli folk songs..
Zeytinburnu is also an important source for Turkish football. Zeytinburnu gained many footballers to the professional football world thanks to its strong infrastructure. Among them come Emre Belözoğlu and Arif Erdem. Emre Belözoğlu who was born in Zeytinburnu currently plays in Inter team of Italy as one of the world class player.
