Beyazit Camii, Istanbul

Built from 1500 to 1505 under Sultan Beyazit II, the Beyazit Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Istanbul. It is located next to Istanbul University and the Grand Bazaar in the center of a large 16th-century complex that includes schools and other buildings.

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History of Beyazit Camii

Construction on the Beyazit Mosque began in 1501, overseen by architect Yakubsah Bin Sultan. The mosque was built over the ruins of the Forum of Tauri built by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius. The pavement of the courtyard and the pillars of the ablutions fountain are reused materials from the Forum.

The Beyazit Mosque was completed in 1506. Sultan Beyazit II died in 1512 and was buried in the gardens with his family.

What to See at Beyazit Camii

The mosque's architecture is inspired by the Byzantine Ayasofya, with a central dome, semi-domes, and a central prayer area with galleries. The dome is 16.78 meters in diameter (the Hagia Sophia's is 31m). Other elements were inspired by the Fatih Mosque, such as the buttresses and columns alongside the dome.

The mosque was once at the center of a large complex, including a school (medrese), kitchen, caravanserai, hamam, and soup kitchen for the poor. The soup kitchen and caravanserai, on the left of the mosque, now house the Beyazit State Library, while the former medrese houses a school of calligraphy.

Quick Facts on Beyazit Camii

Site Information
Names:Beyazit Camii
Country:Turkey
Categories:mosques
Dates:1501-06
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:41.010168° N, 28.965358° E
Address:Istanbul, Turkey
Lodging:View hotels near Beyazit Camii
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. Frommer's Turkey: From the Blue Mosque to the Blue Lagoon, 3rd ed.
  2. Major Mosques of Istanbul - All About Turkey

More Information

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Map of Beyazit Camii, Istanbul

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