Built from 1500 to 1505 under Sultan Beyazit II, the Beyazit Camii (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 Camii 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 Hagia Sophia, with a central dome, semi-domes, and a central prayer area with galleries. The dome is 16.78 meters in diameter (the St. 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.
Sultan Beyazıt Mosque Istanbul (Beyazit Camii)
Beyazit Mosque, scale and details are very nice and simple, the dome however has very apparent plaster cracks that really need to be taken care of. The dome itself is structurally sound. the whole building is very calm and quiet. If you’re at the Grand Bazaar, Give this mosque a visit. It’s just a few steps from it.
Beyazit Camii,
It was under construction, tiny, unimpressive, and boring; thankfully it was free. The mosque does not have any unique characteristics about it to make it worth the visit. Walking in the door, we took our shoes off as normal and moved around on red carpeting. The main area we could visit was a large rectangular room.
Beyazit Mosque
As an Architect I really liked the mosque. It's scale and details are very nice and simple. The dome however has very apparent plaster cracks that really need to be taken care of. The dome itself is structurally sound. the whole building is very calm and quiet. If you're at the Grand Bazaar, Give this mosque a visit. It's just…
The Mosque is directly across from the Barcelo Saray Hotel. One gets a wonderful view from the hotel's Vista Restaurant
The Beyazit Mosque, located on Beyazit Square near the Grand Bazaar and Istanbul University, is a frequently overlooked landmark, which is a shame. The courtyard is standard Ottoman design but what is unusual is that instead of four minarets on the corners of the building, the Beyazit has two that are located on wings extending farther out from the mosque. This gives the Beyazit almost a basilica plan. Inside the stained glass and carpeting are attractive. The wings create secluded side aisles where you can sit in silence and admire the 500 year old structure.
Beautyfull, impresive architecture. You can take pictures inside there are no restrictions! Is recomennded to be silent as it is a place for people to pray. I found it a good place to check visiting Istanbul!
This is one of the mosques that you cannot leave behind, that is you have to visit to see the construction of it. Each mosque has its own design.
This mosque is in close proximity to Istanbul University and Grand Bazaar. Like any other mosques in Istanbul, the architecture or the interior looks very similar although it was closed for renovation but the exterior of this mosque is fascinating to look at. It is one of the oldest mosques in Istanbul.
This imposing and august mosque, dating back to early 1500's, is today still a shrine for devout Muslims. In a walking distance to Grand Bazaar, this big complex of buildings also hosts tombs of many sultans and sultans' family members. Both inside the mosque and its courtyard are strong examples of the finest architectural styles of the period.