Imagine Hacı Bayram Kaftani Cami in 1490. A small mescid rises thanks to Hacı Bayram bin Eyne Bey. He was Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s kaftancı.
Welcome to the Hacı Bayram Kaftani Cami. It is also known as the Kaftani Hacı Bayram Tekkesi. This sacred space carries centuries of Ottoman history. It has evolved from a humble mescid to a respected cami.
Hacı Bayram bin Eyne Bey served Sultan Mehmet faithfully. He was trustworthy. Soon, he became the Sultan’s kaftancı. After Fatih’s reign, Hacı Bayram lived for 14 more years. He used his savings to build this mescid. His grave rests peacefully in its garden.
Later, Sadrazam Bayram Paşa added a minber. This elevated the mescid to a cami. Tragedy struck in 1894. An earthquake leveled the cami. But faith rebuilt it. In 1896, a woman named Fatma rebuilt it. She included high windows in the design. Fatma was a clerk in the Divan-ı Hümayun’s Beylikçi office.
In 1983, the cami underwent repairs. A new minaret was added in 1989. The minaret stands to the left of the cami. The entrance is in the courtyard. Its şerefe boasts mukarnas details. Fatih Belediyesi renovated the Hacı Bayram Keftani Cami in 2002.
More recently, a last congregation area was added. A women’s gallery sits above it. The upper gallery’s stairs and the imam’s room are in this section. The eternit shelter in front of the courtyard clashes with the historical structure.
The building has a rectangular plan. Inside, müezzin mahfils flank both sides. The ceiling is wood. The roof is covered with tiles. The minber and ceiling are wooden. A small wooden column supports the pulpit. It has wooden railings. Two rows of windows adorn the walls. Recent additions include tiles up to the window sills.
A simple fountain graces the courtyard’s left side. Hacı Bayram Kaftânî died in 1496. His tomb lies in the mescid’s hazire. His tombstone features Rumi carvings and celi sülüs script. Sources praise the hatayi rumi embellishments. The headstone’s rear decorations are well-preserved. This may be because the ayaktaş shields it from the wind.
The grave is open during prayer times. Consider the dedication and history within these walls. The Hacı Bayram Kaftani Cami stands as a testament to faith and community.