Contemplate the name Ramazan Efendi Camii. Why does this mosque bear such a name?
The answer lies with the tekke sheikh, Ramazan Efendi, whose name it proudly carries. This beautiful mosque also goes by another name. It is known as Hüsrev Çelebi Mosque or Bezirganbaşı Mosque.
Ramazan Efendi Camii stands in Istanbul’s Kocamustafapaşa district. Its story began in 1585. The great Mimar Sinan designed it. You will find it near the Kuva-yı Milliye Caddesi bus stops.
Notice the single minaret reaching towards the sky. The roof is a simple hipped design. The mosque has undergone several repairs throughout its history. Dede Efendi even supported some of these restorations.
Enter the courtyard through one of the two gates on the same street. A spacious garden welcomes you. Old trees stand guard within the walls. To the left is the imam’s room. To the right, you will see an ablution area. A graveyard rests at the back.
At the courtyard’s center, a rectangular fountain stands. Four columns support its roof. Opposite the fountain, you’ll find the women’s section. To the left of the entrance porch is a tomb. This tomb belongs to Ramazan Efendi himself.
Stepping inside from the small porch, the last congregation area rises on a platform. It extends to the right and left. Beyond the threshold, marble frames the mihrab and minbar.
Notice the tiles that catch your eye. Windows line the walls in rows. Two over two on the sides and four over four on the front and back. The kürsü sits on the left. It is made of wood.
The floor and ceiling of Ramazan Efendi Camii are also wooden. The ceiling boasts a square pattern. It is brightly painted. To the right of the entrance is the müezzin’s area. The minaret door is also there. A door on the left wall leads to a side room. From the last congregation area, you can access the upper floor.
Cracks mark the walls showing the history of the Ramazan Efendi Camii. Large candles flank the mihrab. A round chandelier hangs in the center. The interior is adorned with valuable tiles. Plaques display the names of Allah, Muhammed, Ebubekir, Ömer, Osman, Ali, Hasan and Hüseyin.
Not far from here stands another historical treasure. You will also find the Sümbül Efendi Camii nearby. The Ramazan Efendi Camii continues to serve as a place of worship. It preserves its Ottoman heritage for generations to come.