The Fatih Mosque in Istanbul

The Fatih Mosque in Istanbul is situated in one of the oldest historical districts of the entire city. It is located in the area where the oldest parts of Constantinople can be found. Not far from the borders of the central Fatih district, you will come across the remnants of the ancient walls of Constantinople.

There are many mosques in the city, and all of them are beautiful and distinctive in their way, but the Fatih mosque in Istanbul in particular has a history and beauty more than most famous mosques in Turkey.

The Origin and Restoration of the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul

The Fatih mosque in Istanbul was built on the site of one of the most important Christian buildings in the city, the Church of the Holy Apostles, and until 1028 AD that church was the burial place of all Byzantine emperors, including Constantine.

The construction of the Fatih mosque complex in Istanbul began ten years after the conquest of the city by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1463. The mosque was almost destroyed in an earthquake in 1766 and was rebuilt in 1771 with a different plan by the architect Miramar Muhammad Tahir and the order of Sultan Mustafa I. The only surviving original elements of the mosque are the tombs of Mehmed II and his wife, in addition to certain parts of the courtyard and the outer gate.

Dividing the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul Between the Past and the Present

Throughout its historical stages, the Fatih Mosque complex in Istanbul includes various sections. These included religious schools, student dormitories, a nursing home, a library, and a hospital, along with a market, a bathhouse, accommodations for travelers, and a public kitchen that provides food to the poor.

The Fatih Mosque in Istanbul currently serves as the final resting place for numerous significant figures in Ottoman history, including Mehmed II and his wife, Sultan Gulbahar II (the mother of Sultan Bayezid), Osman Nuri Pasha, and Abdin Pasha.

Though much of the mosque's magnificent architecture has been lost over time, certain elements still endure, such as the Fountain Bowl, which includes the fountain and the crown gate, the altar, the minarets up to the first balcony, and part of the surrounding wall. 

The external frames of the domes exhibit an octagonal appearance and rest on arches adorned with red stone and white marble. 

Greenstone contributes to the formation of the axis arches. Notably, the upper and lower windows are framed by spacious pathways, while the door frames are crafted from marble and accentuated by large, sturdy belts, providing a captivating visual experience.

Dates for Visiting the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul

The Fatih Mosque in Istanbul operates actively like any functioning mosque, closing during prayer times and additional periods on religious holidays. Its expansive courtyard occasionally hosts funerals of notable individuals. Typically, the mosque is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with no entrance fee. It tends to be particularly crowded during the Friday noon prayers.

Ways to Reach the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul

Getting to the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul from almost any part of the city is very easy. If you find yourself on the Asian side, simply take the ferry to Eminonu and then catch a bus to the mosque then get off at the mosque bus stop. Buses are also available from Besiktas, Taksim, and various other key points within Istanbul.

For those who prefer walking, reaching the Fatih Mosque is possible but will take approximately 20 minutes along the main road from Eminonu itself. In this case, you will get the opportunity to wander through the sights of the city, which is full of history.

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