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Fatih Camii

Home → Istanbul, Turkey → Fatih Camii

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The Fatih Mosque in Istanbul has a lovely interior like many Turkish mosques, but the primary importance of this mosque is its illustrious permanent resident, Mehmet the Conqueror.

History

The Imperial Fatih Mosque was constructed between 1462 and 1470 by Sultan Fatih Mehmet (“Mehmet the Conqueror”; 1432-81), who took Constantinople in 1453. The architect was Atik Sinan, not to be confused with the Sinan hired by Suleyman.

Sultan Mehmet’s goal was to build an Islamic monument more spectacular than the Hagia Sophia. Legend has it that when the mosque failed to reach as high as the church despite being bulit atop a hill – the sultan had the architect’s hands cut off.

The Fatih Mosque and complex included a caravansary, a hospital, several hamams, the kitchens, and a market. Its school instructed up to 1,000 students at a time.

After an earthquake in 1509, the complex was restored by Beyazit II. During another earthquake in 1771, most of it collapsed. The present mosque and complex mostly date from a reconstruction under Mustafa III, completed in 1771. The mihrab, medreses (schools), and inner courtyard survive from the original complex.

What to See

The large Fatih Mosque stands atop the highest hill in Istanbul. Like the other classical mosques in the city, it has a tall central dome supported by semi-domes on all four sides. The painting of the spacious interior reveals a Baroque influence on 18th-century Ottoman art.

Surviving elements from the original 15th-century mosque include three galleries of the courtyard, the portal, the mihrab and the lower shafts of the minarets. The tombs of Mehmet II and his wife are located outside the mihrab wall.

The Fatih Mosque was built over the site of the Church of the Holy Apostles. Reused building materials from the church, such as column pieces and stone blocks of the foundations, have been identified in the courtyard of the Fatih Mosque.

Each Wednesday the area around the mosque is filled with a busy street market.


Istanbul Travel Guide

  • Bosphorus, Istanbul
  • Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora
  • Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul
  • Etz Ahayim Synagogue
  • Galata Tower, Istanbul
  • Golden Horn
  • Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
  • Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
  • Hippodrome, Istanbul
  • Istanbul Archaeology Museum
  • Istanbul Jewish Cemetery
  • Neve Shalom Synagogue, Istanbul
  • Spice Bazaar, Istanbul
  • Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul
  • Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
  • Underground Cistern, Istanbul
  • Zulfaris Synagogue
  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Rumelihisari (Fortress)
  • Camlica Hill
  • Bosphorus Bridge
  • Istanbul Mosaic Museum
  • Church of the Holy Apostles
  • Eyup Mosque and Mausoleum
  • Beyazit Camii
  • Fatih Camii
  • Fethiye Camii “Pammakaristos Church”
  • Hagia Eirene
  • Orthodox Patriarchate and Cathedral
  • Sts Sergius and Bacchus
  • Yeni Camii
  • Zeyrek Camii “Church of the Pantocrator”
  • Prince’s Islands
  • Mosque of Rustem Pasha
  • Galata Bridge
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
  • Miniatürk
  • Istanbul Modern Museum
  • Galata Mevlevihanesi
  • Pierre Loti
  • Istanbul, Turkish Baths
  • Walk through Istiklal Street
  • Tunnel
  • Military Museum
  • Port of Istanbul
  • City Walls of Istanbul
  • Maiden’s Tower
  • Harem
  • Tofre Begadim Synagogue
  • Yıldız Park
  • Bulgarian St. Stephen Church
  • Ahrida (Ohrid) Synagogue, Istanbul
  • Ashkenazi Synagogue, Istanbul
  • Balat, Istanbul
  • Blue Mosque, Istanbul
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Rating: +3992 (from 3992 votes)
Fatih Camii, 100% based on 3992 ratings
36 Reviews
  1. Z-Alena
    7:53 pm on July 14, 2011

    We really enjoyed this mosque. The grounds are gorgeous and it is a relatively crowd free experience. The adjacent cemetery is fascinating, especially the emblematic headstones providing a glimpse into the lives of those passed. Time your visit with the local Fatih markets to make the most of your day.

    Reply
  2. Brittansa.l
    4:35 am on August 11, 2011

    I went there not only one time, but twice. The complex was just great and all the building were in a very good and organized stage. I loved so much.

    Reply
  3. Traya
    12:42 am on February 19, 2013

    Mosque was under Renovation, visited the tomb, mostly traditional muslims, very polite and respectful. We went on a Wed., big local market outside, u can find anything there.

    Reply
  4. Martin L
    6:15 am on July 2, 2013

    Unlike the other touristy mosques in this city this place is a real place of worship. The atmosphere is absolutely different. There are fewer tourists here and the place has an aura of peace and austerity. There is also a market close by, which is something of a hidden gem. You can get really great deals.

    Reply
  5. Rose Fanellis
    3:38 pm on July 13, 2013

    Fatih Camii was my first visit to a mosque in Istanbul before visiting The Blue Mosque. I, along with two other friends, seemed to be the few visitors here. This made for a far more intimate, if not intimidating, look into the architectural and environment of Islam.

    Reply
  6. aziani_Vichet
    5:57 pm on July 20, 2013

    We visited this great mosque and enjoyed the history behind this place. It has been renovated lately with new great carpet that no body saw one like it. While you in the area don't miss to see the souks around the mosque it is fascinating area.

    Reply
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ephesus tours

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