Fatih Mosque, Istanbul
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Fatih Mosque, Istanbul - by Ezzeldin.Elbaksawy (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The Fatih Mosque was built in 1463-1470 and named after the Ottoman sultan Mehmed the Conqueror ("Fatih" means "Conqueror") who took Constantinople in 1453. It was designed by the Greek architect Atik Sinan and constructed on the site of the former Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, the burial place of the Roman Emperor Constantine. The mosque was rebuilt in a different design following the destructive earthquake of 1766. It has 2 minarets and the central dome, 26m in diameter, is supported by four semi-domes. Behind the mosque is the lavishly decorated tomb (türbe) of Sultan Mehmet II and that of his wife Gulbahar Hatun.
Access & Transport
The mosque is located in the Fatih district, 1.5km southwest of the Ataturk bridge and Cibali tram stop (T5). There are several bus stops along Fevzi Paşa Cd., next to the mosque and the Aksaray metro station (M2) is 1.2km away.
Instructions & Recommendations
Please check prayer times in advance (closed to tourists during that time) and make sure you are appropriately dressed. Link to Istanbul prayer times: https://namazvakitleri.diyanet.gov.tr/en-US/9541/prayer-time-for-istanbul
Environmental & Social
No environmental impact and helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritage
Conclusion
In any city other than Istanbul, Fatih Mosque would be considered a must see, but compared to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque or Suleymaniye Mosque, it simply isn't as spectacular. Our recommendation is to take a look if you are in the area, but don't plan your itinerary around it.
Key positive
Historical importance with the Sultan Mehmet II mausoleum
Not crowded with tourists
Key negative
Comparatively less touristic attractions nearby
Not as impressive as the best-known mosques of the city
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility although wheelchair users may need to change equipment to get on to the carpeted area.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Monday09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday09:00 - 18:00
Thursday09:00 - 18:00
Friday09:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00