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.
Given the number of beautiful mosques in Istanbul, this one measures up only in size. I wouldn't go out of my way to see the Fatih, though the neighborhood around it is interesting.
Very beatuful must see !
A nice mosque, built on the site of the ruined Church of the Holy Apostles where all the Emperors from Constantine I to VIII were buried, according to the Archaeology Museum. I'm sure this was the reason Mehmet the Conquerer wanted to be buried here. His tomb is outside.
Fatih mosque is built on the remainings of Hagioi Apostoloi church as the first mosque in Istanbul in 1455.It is actually built as a complex composed of shops and religious schools.When you enter it,the inside is always bright and you can enjoy your time there by watching caligraphy on the dome.
During the praying times,try not to be move around !
A lovely mosque, large and splendid inside. The domes in the ceiling were particularly ornate. Beautiful courtyards a nice quite break in a hectic day. Everything inside and out was so clean it sparkled.
This mosque is impressive, and not only because of its size. When visited at night it is truly exceptional. There is no fee to enter this mosque, but please respect the worshippers. As always in a mosque, take off your shoes, as is the Muslim custom.
I am a practicing Muslim, and I find Turkey, including the worship in its mosque, an inspiring country. But this is <the> mosue of religious nationalism, and I found it a bit too much, enough not to want to pray there.
Although from outside it does not give you the idea the Mosque of Fatih and its complex is outstanding.
Fatih mosque is one of the greatest (in size) mosques in Istanbul. Maybe it's not one of those places that everybody would go and visit cause it's a bit apart from other places but if you manage to visit the Wednesday Bazaar you will pas through this huge mosque.
Went to fatih wednesday markets- good prices all locals in 1 hr only saw one other tourist. Also checked out the mosque- beautiful architecture like all turkish mosques!