“Lost your way in history? Don’t worry. We’re about to uncover a gem called Divanı Ali Cami. This mosque stands humbly in Istanbul’s Fatih district. But its story is far from ordinary.
Divanı Ali Cami’s tale starts in the 17th century. Ali Efendi, a scribe in the Ottoman palace, first built it as a small prayer room or mescid. Imagine Ali Efendi, diligently writing in the palace. Perhaps he dreamed of a quiet place for reflection. This mescid was his answer.
Later, a generous soul named Salih Ağa stepped in. He funded the construction of a minbar or pulpit. This addition elevated the mescid to a full-fledged mosque. Thus, Divanı Ali Cami was born.
However, fate dealt a cruel blow in 1724. The Gedikpaşa fire ravaged Divanı Ali Cami, leaving it in ruins. The mosque lay in despair until 1868. Bedestani Hacı Ali, a wealthy merchant from the bedesten or bazaar, took on the noble task of restoration. He breathed new life into Divanı Ali Cami, reopening it for worship.
Let’s step inside Divanı Ali Cami. Notice the small courtyard behind the mosque relative to the mihrab. The entrance is framed by a modest aluminum structure. This leads us to the last congregation area.
Take note of the wooden staircase to the left. It ascends to the women’s gallery. This gallery extends three meters into the main prayer hall. A wooden railing protects the space.
The walls are sturdy brick. A wooden roof covered with tiles shelters the interior. The flat ceiling is adorned with wooden slats. The walls were scraped and plastered with Horasan plaster. The wooden minbar is original. It dates back to the 19th century. It is painted white. The mihrab is made of marble. The small kürsü or platform is wooden.
Light streams through the long oval windows. Three grace the east and west facades. Two flank the north side and the mihrab wall. Above each window, you’ll spot round prayer plaques. Partial wooden coverings adorn the walls between the windows. The north wall is fully paneled in wood. Marble cladding extends from the floor to the base of the windows.
In 1994, Divanı Ali Cami underwent renovations. The exterior plaster and window frames were renewed. The single-balcony minaret rises on the right rear of the building. It’s constructed of brick. The courtyard houses toilets and a fountain. A small cemetery lies to the west.
Interestingly, Divanı Ali Cami is often mistaken for Gedikpaşa Camii. This is due to its proximity to a bathhouse built by Gedik Ahmet Pasha. But remember its true name: Divanı Ali Cami.
As you leave Divanı Ali Cami, look across the courtyard entrance. You’ll see the Canfeda Hatun Fountain. It dates back to 1780.
Divanı Ali Cami stands as a testament to faith and community. It’s a story etched in stone, wood, and the hearts of those who rebuilt it.”