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.
This was by far the best mosque that I visited partly because there were no tourists and I was able to pray in peace-without being the subject of some hispter's "photography". I loved the vibrant red carpets and also the local feel to the mosque.
This was a big surprise for me. It looks different to the other large city centre mosques and plus no tourist. There was the best market in the city that you don't hear about. Almost a tourist secret as there were great deals but the sellers had no/little english and didn't want to overcharge like the other touristy markets.
Unlike the other famous mosques of Istanbul like Blue mosque and Suleymaniye, the Fatih Mosuqe is not a simple touristic place, also its not located in a touristic place. It's a very beautiful mosque and you can see the real life of Turkish people there.
Hint: Do not forget to see the "Fatih Tomb", Its just next to the mosque.
Amazing artifacts and a real view of the peoples here. The friendliness and eagerness to share is phenomenal.
This place is pure class, the architecture is amazing much better than the Blue Mosques. Cats and kittens wandering around the outside, nice little shopping centre outside families chilling inside.
This is usually an overlooked mosque but I would recommend stopping by if you are in the area. Great history!
Gorgeous inside and out. Has drinking water inside the mosque. Has very interesting "cat house" on the mosque grounds. The cats are fed and watered and live in a double storey house!
Ok, i know others may disagree particularly with the Blue Mosque and Sulaymaniyya. But this mosque was recently redone and it is simply spectacular. The complex also contains the tomb of Mehmed II the Conqueror. It is probably the most spectacular tomb of all of the Ottoman Sultans.
This mosque is smaller than the Blue Mosque and really has not memorable or distinguishing features. The dress code is not as strict as at the Blue Mosque; I was allowed in a a female with a baseball cap and my husband was allowed to wear shorts.
Good mosque, but comparing with other Camiis, they are better, I had to see it quickly because I was late…