Zeyrek Mosque, or as known as Pantokrator Monastery Church is in the Zeyrek district of Fatih, Istanbul Turkey. The mosque was transformed into a mosque when Istanbul had been conquered. It has also an unbelievable view of Golden Horn. The mosque had been built by Byzantine Empire as a church, yet it is used as a mosque now. It is assumed that Zeyrek Mosque is the second biggest building constructed in Byzantine Empire after Hagia Sophia.
Zeyrek Mosque’s History
The mosque was first constructed as a church by Emperor Ioannes Komnenos and his wife Eirene in Byzantine Empire. The church was built as three buildings side by side, a church, a hospital, and a library. The foundation date of the church is 1124. After the wife of Komnenos died, the emperor built a church on the northern side. Lastly, the final church was built in the southern part of the church site in 1150.
In 1453, Mehmed the Conqueror took the city and converted that church into a mosque and a madrasah. The mosque was named Zeyrek, due to its first hodja of the madrasah. However, when Fatih Mosque Complex was done, the madrasah was moved from Zeyrek Mosque, and it was abandoned for centuries. In the 18th century, a harsh fire burned down the mosque and it was damaged substantially. Zeyrek Mosque was renovated under the order of Sultan Mustafa III. When it comes to the 20th century, the mosque looked destroyed, and it was renovated again and again. In final, the last restoration lasted nine years. The mosque was not damaged just by fires or the time, also Latin invades damaged the mosque when it was a church. In the era of Latin invades, the treasures, icons, or relics were moved to European cities. Today seven icons in Venice are assumed that been taken from that mosque. In 2004 the mosque was added to the watch list of endangered monuments of UNESCO and now it is open to every visitor.
History of Architecture of Zeyrek Mosque
The architecture depicts examples of the Middle Byzantine Era. In that time period, art came to the forefront of the Byzantine Empire. The former church, now a mosque was built in that era. The northern church has a main dome which is supported by four columns. The mosque has a ground furnished with the technique “Opus Sectile”. The ground was illustrating the precious animal and human figures; however, it is now covered with a carpet to pray. Almost in everywhere, there are historical mosaics that show the significant figures of its era.
The important architectural tradition of Middle Byzantine is a special masonry technique. This technique consists of more cement, and less brick. The bricks are put behind the wall line, and they act as an abutment for the cement. The cement’s thickness is more than the bricks. During the restoration after the massive earthquake, the special room for sultans (Hünkar Mahfili) was added to the construction. After the renovations, Baroque-influenced Ottoman Architecture’s signs are clearly seen. The mihrab, minbar, and ambo were made in Ottoman Era and they are assumed as one of the most successful examples of Baroque Ottoman Architecture. The walls of the mosque have niches. Since the mosque had experienced numerous renovations, some parts are not coherent with the general architecture. Even if the building was constructed as a church, after the transformation, some designs and calligraphy were applied to the walls. On the inside, you can see a mixture of the old walls and columns made of bricks, and modern walls and columns together.
How can I go to Zeyrek Mosque?
Marmaray (Ataköy-Pendik line) and Metro line M2 are the transportation ways to reach Fatih. Also, bus lines which are 28, 28T, 30D, 336E, 41Y, 46T, and 77A pass by near Zeyrek mosque.
What are the nearest touristic places to Zeyrek Mosque?
Fatih is the most historical district of Istanbul and welcomes a lot of places that are inherited from the Byzantine or Ottoman Empires. One of them is Fatih Mosque Complex which has a massive inside. Also, Fatih Mosque is one of the best examples of Ottoman Architecture. After the visit to historical places, after a 15-minute walk, you can see the Valens Aqueduct on the way to the parks. Fatih Monument Park, Saraçhane Archeology Park, and Saraçhane Park are perfect resting places on the way to Valens Aqueduct. Also, to be able to go to Kariye Mosque, you can take the 37E, 38E, 87, and 336E bus lines. Kariye Mosque consists of more Byzantine ornaments than the others.
Where is Zeyrek Mosque?
Zeyrek Mosque is located in the Fatih district, Istanbul, Turkey.
Who built the Zeyrek Mosque?
Zeyrek Mosque was first built by Byzantine Empire and then transformed into a mosque.
Which architectural movement is applied to Zeyrek Mosque?
The distinct architectural movement of Zeyrek Mosque is Middle Byzantine Era.
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