Akşemsettin was born in Damascus in 1389, although he later moved to Amasya where he studied languages and medicine, becoming one of the first people to explore the significance of germs.
He became an associate of the famous Islamic teacher, Haci Bayram-ı Veli, and served as tutor to Mehmed the Conqueror. Eventually he retired to Göynük, where he died in 1450. His simple tomb can be seen in the copse beside the 14th century Gazi Süleyman Paşa Camii. His two sons were buried beside him; his wife and daughters are interred outdoors.
