Beyazit Mosque (Beyazit Camii), Istanbul
Aerial view of the Beyazit Mosque (center), with the Grand Bazzar
on the right. Image © Google Earth.
Exterior view. Photo
E.A. Roberts.
Main entrance, leading into the courtyard. Photo
Kevin Burden.
Interior. Photo © Dick Osseman.
Interior. Photo
Serdar's digital world.
Exterior view from the back. Photo © Dick Osseman.
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.
History
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
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
| Type of site: | Mosque |
| Dates: | 1501-06 |
| Architecture: | Ottoman |
| Status: | Active |
| Architect: | Yakubsah Bin Sultan |
| Location: | Yeniçeriler Cad., across from Beyazit tramway stop |
| Coordinates: | 41.011° N, 28.965° E |
| Phone: | No phone |
| Hours: | Dawn-dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
Travel Resources
- Istanbul Map - our own interactive city map plus links to more online maps
- Guided Tours of Istanbul - sightseeing tours, activities, day trips
- Istanbul Hostels - search and book budget lodgings
- Istanbul Hotel Reviews - the real truth on hotels from fellow travelers
- Istanbul Car Rentals - explore Turkey with a car picked up in Istanbul
- Istanbul Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Istanbul
Article Sources
- Frommer's Turkey: From the Blue Mosque to the Blue Lagoon, 3rd ed.
- Major Mosques of Istanbul - All About Turkey
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Beyazit Mosque. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Istanbul Map or get our free Google Earth download.
