He was born in Simavna town in today’s Greece. His father was the grandson of Seljuk Sultan Izzettin Keykavus II. His mother was Melek Hatun. Melek Hatun was a Greek. But she converted to Islam. Because of his father’s duty, he was known as the son of Simavna Judge. After the Ottomans had captured Edirne, he settled there with his family. He began his education with his father. After that, he had lessons from Sahidi Hodga. He had an Islamic education from many scholars. Beside religion he studied astronomy, mathematics and logic.

He appered actively in the political scene in the Period of Interregnum. After Musa Chelebi defeated Suleyman Chelebi and invaded Edirne he appointed Sheikh Bedreddin as the Military Judge. As Mehmed Chelebi ended the Interragnum and acceded the Ottoman throne, he was exiled to Iznik, in 1413. He was given 1000 akces salary. But, he could not have accepted this and begun to political actions. He sent Borkluce Mustafa to Aydin and its province to propagandise. Mustafa found many supporters in this region. Sheikh thought that if a revolt would began he will be accused as the leader and he escaped form Iznik and taken refugee by Isfendiyar Bey in Kastamonu. Then, he tried to to Tartaristan but he failed and he went to Roumelia and settled in Deliorman where he found many supporters.

But, Sultan Mehmed disturbed by his increasing power and sent an army on him. His comrades Borkluce Mustafa and Torlak Kemal had been defeated first and Sheikh was captured. With the command of the sultan the Sheikh was judged and sentenced to death in Serez, in 1420.

©Copyright 1999 FORSNeT (All Rights Reserved)