Germeyanoğlu Yakup Çelebi was a very wealthy man. Occasionally, he would wander through neighborhoods and secretly offer help for the sake of Allah. Despite it being midnight, three houses with their lights still on caught his attention: after the morning prayer, he visited these homes. A young man opened one of the doors:
– "Welcome," he said.
– "Thank you. We noticed that your lamp hasn't gone out since last night, and we wanted to ask if there's a problem," Yakup Bey said.
Before the embarrassed young man could answer, a groan was heard from inside. Looking into Yakup Bey's curious eyes, the young man said:
– "My mother has been bedridden for five years."
– "Haven't you taken her to a doctor?"
The young man lowered his head and murmured softly:
– "We couldn't afford it, sir."
Leaving a small purse of coins gently, Yakup Bey left the house with mixed emotions.
– "Who knows how many helpless and lonely people are left to face their troubles in despair," he murmured. He thought, "We must admit this sick mother to the hospital and cover all the expenses. More importantly, we need to preserve the tradition of our ancestors."
He was so deep in thought that he didn't even realize he had reached home. He shared what had happened with his family:
– "What can be done, Çelebi?" his wife asked.
– "Just as there are hospitals that operate with foundation income, there should also be foundations that treat and care for patients at home. This foundation should embrace the poor and needy patients. Come on, my dear, let's go," Çelebi said excitedly.
Yakup Çelebi, who was descended from the Germeyanoğlu lineage, was very happy the next day as he sipped his coffee in his mansion in Kütahya. He had the foundation deed sealed by Kadı Efendi, immortalizing his intention: "Whoever falls ill, let them bring a doctor, have medicine made, pay the doctor, and cover the patient's care expenses. If any among them pass away, let them buy a shroud and take care of the burial."
This blessed man also built a hospital. His foundation would cover the expenses of both this hospital and the home care services for patients.
What a wonderful feeling it must be to eternally feel the prayers of so many patients and the helpless…
We remember with mercy and gratitude the founders of the Germeyanoğlu Yakub Çelebi Foundation, established in Kütahya in 1888.