Fatih Mosque

Description

The mosque and complex, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, is one of the important turning points of Ottoman architecture.

Story

Fatih Mosque is a monumental structure built at a prominent location in the city center after the conquest of Istanbul, and it is considered one of the early peaks of Ottoman architecture. The first mosque, constructed between 1463 and 1470 by order of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, was built on the ruins of the Church of the Holy Apostles, one of the important Byzantine structures. Therefore, its location holds great significance both religiously and historically. However, the original structure was heavily damaged in the 1766 earthquake and was completely rebuilt during the reign of Mustafa III. The present mosque is the product of this reconstruction process. Fatih Mosque is the center of a large complex (külliye). The complex includes social and religious structures such as madrasahs, a hospital (darüşşifa), a library, a soup kitchen (aşevi), a guesthouse (tabhane), and a bathhouse (hamam). In this respect, it is one of the most developed examples of Ottoman urban planning. The mosque's architecture has simple but powerful lines; a large central dome is supported by side domes. The interior offers a spacious atmosphere with its high ceiling, large windows, and elegant calligraphic work. The tombs of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and his wife Gülbahar Hatun are also located in the mosque courtyard and are particularly sought out by many visitors. Throughout centuries, Fatih Mosque has been at the center of religious, social, and cultural life; it has hosted state ceremonies, major gatherings, and scholarly activities. Today, it continues to exist as one of Istanbul's most important places of worship and visitation. The Fatih bazaars and historical streets around the mosque allow visitors to experience both the Ottoman heritage and traditional Istanbul life.

Visit Tips

• Admission is free.
• The calmest times are between noon and afternoon prayer.
• The tombs in the courtyard can be visited free of charge.
• Since it's a bit far from the Fatih tram line, bus or minibus is recommended.

Photos