Fatih Mosque

Fatih Mosque

The name Fatih Mosque in Turkish means "Conqueror's Mosque." It is an Ottoman-era mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the largest Turkish-Islamic structures in Istanbul and represents a significant phase in the development of classical Turkish architecture.

The Fatih Mosque is a grand complex of religious and social buildings commissioned in 1463–1470 by Mehmed the Conqueror, built on the site of the former Church of the Holy Apostles of the Byzantine Empire. Its design was created by the royal architect Atik Sinan. The Fatih Mosque was the first major architectural project of the Ottoman Empire, and the mosque is surrounded by a carefully planned complex that includes eight Islamic schools, a library, a hospital, a market, a Turkish bath, an elementary school, and a public soup kitchen for the poor.

The original Fatih Mosque was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1509. After repairs, it subsequently suffered damage from the earthquakes of 1557 and 1754, requiring further restoration. It was completely destroyed in the earthquake of May 22, 1776, when the main dome collapsed and the walls were irreparably damaged. The current mosque was completed in 1771 by Sultan Mustafa III and differs from the original design. The present-day Fatih Mosque features a large central dome with a diameter of 26 meters, supported by four marble columns, and has two minarets.

Fatih Mosque, Istanbul

Must-visit reason: One of the largest Turkish-Islamic structures in Istanbul

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Turkey[turkey]

Province/State: Istanbul Province [Istanbul Province]

City: Istanbul [Istanbul]