Brief History:

Beyazıt Mosque - Istanbul is known as the “crown of Ottoman art”, is renowned for its unique architecture and decor. It is one of the oldest and largest monuments still in use in Istanbul, and is regarded as one of Turkey's most important examples of Islamic architecture. It was built during the reign of Sultan Beyazıt II in 1506, and was originally used as a Friday mosque, before being later incorporated into the Istanbul University campus. Its octagonal wall is almost 40 metres tall and adorned with intricately beautiful carvings, gigantic calligraphy inscriptions, and enormous circular windows that look out onto the university grounds below. The mosque also houses a four-metre diameter mihrab from which the faithful receive blessings during their contact prayer. Its complex and mesmerizing exterior and interior make it an inspiring sight, even for non-Muslims. It is one of the most famous mosque in Turkey which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Beyazıt Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in Beyazıt Square and was constructed between 1506 and 1516 during the reign of Sultan Beyazıt II on the site of what had once been the Byzantine city center. The mosque was built in the traditional Islamic architectural style, consisting of three domes, four minarets, a courtyard, a prayer hall, a portico, and an ablution fountain. The main prayer hall of the Beyazıt Mosque features a central octagonal dome that rises to a height of 31 meters, surrounded by four drastical semi-domes. The prayer hall is covered with an unusual colorful Iznik tile decoration featuring the imperial cypher of Sultan Beyazıt II. The portico of the mosque is decorated with 12 columns topped by capitals that display Ottoman motifs, and served as a meeting place for religious scholars, orators, and preachers. Dynamic exterior walls of the mosque are also lined with Iznik tiles, with colors ranging from turquoise to cobalt. These are highlighted by contoured stone window decor and pointed arches, and are topped with the distinctive Ottoman ribbed geometrical motifs. The four minarets are an impressive addition to the architecture of the mosque and stand proud at 34 meters each. The doorway to the entrance to the Beyazıt Mosque features a Seljuk-style splayed arch with a black-and-white border stripe and ornamental carvings. The striking features of the Mosque make it one of Istanbul’s most notable and admired heritage sites, attracting both foreign visitors and locals. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Travel Information:

Address: Eskembeciyan Sk., Fatih, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey Hours: Open: 8am-8pm Closed: Ramadan Access: You can easily access The Beyazit Mosque from major points and stations in Istanbul. Beyazit Tram Stop is the closest public transport to the Beyazit Mosque. From here it is a 3 minute walking distance. You can also take the Metro from Mecidiyekoy or Zeytinburnu to Aksaray and transit to the tram. You may also take the 43T, 83B or 83T or 94T to reach the mosque. To get the information about public transportation from your location use the apps like Moovit or Google Maps. Parking: There is paid parking spaces around the Mosque. beautiful masjid.