Hawzah News Agency - (Istanbul - Turkey) - A historical mosque at the center of a populous Istanbul district is providing free showers, clothing, and food to the homeless.

Selime Hatun Mosque - a small Muslim house of worship in the Beyoğlu district dating back to the 17th century - has emerged as a place of hope and temporary shelter for dozens of rough sleepers in the metropolis.

Through the efforts of its philanthropic imam Osman Gökrem, 52, who has been working at the mosque for 17 years, homeless individuals have a chance to meet more of their basic needs.      

“This is the only mosque across the country where at least 50 homeless people are able to take a free bath on a daily basis,” Gökrem said.

Thanks to the support of donors, the imam also delivers free food every Saturday at the mosque, which is open 24/7, and donates clothing.

Amid his busy schedule as imam, he also shaves and gives rough sleepers free haircuts in order to boost their chances of reintegrating into society.

“I shaved some 15-20 homeless people this Saturday. If we think that it's not our business to shave them or give them haircuts, then we'll lose them,” he said, stressing the importance of helping the needy.

Helping them find a job is the other part of Gökrem's self-designed project. When they find one, Gökrem lets them sleep at the mosque for over a month until they can afford an apartment themselves.