Hamamizade Ismail Dede Efendi was born in Istanbul in 1778. During his primary education, he took attention with his beautiful voice. He became the master prayer of the school. He attended to the lectures of Mehmed Emin Efendi. He worked in the Finance Ministry. He took the dede title in the Mevlevi sect, as he completed his Islamic education. He took the attention of Sultan Selim III, with his musical compositions. He gained the appreciation of Sultan Mahmud II and Sultan Abdulmecid, as well. During his pilgrimage to Mecca he had fallen ill, and died because of cholera, in 1846. He composed more than 500 masterpieces and he trained many students. He created many new musical modes, and his compositions are still very influential.

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