Dreaming of a Bakırköy mosque? Then you are right in front of the Amine Hatun Cami. It is also known as Kartaltepe Camii or Bakırköy Camii. This beautiful mosque stands in the Kartaltepe neighborhood. Specifically it is at the intersection of Filiz and Sefalı Streets. The Amine Hatun Cami holds a special place in Bakırköy’s history.
Let’s step back in time. Picture Bakırköy in the late 17th century. Muslim Turkish people migrated here. The growing population needed more places of worship. Amine Hatun Cami became the second mosque built in Bakırköy to meet this need.
Evkaf Nezareti commissioned the mosque. Mimar Kemaleddin Bey was the chief architect. He was the leading architect of Evkaf Nezareti at the time. Construction began in 1913. But war and economic difficulties caused delays. The mosque was finally completed around 1924.
Interestingly the Amine Hatun Cami shares a prototype with the Bebek Camii. Both mosques have similar designs. The Amine Hatun Cami features a single-domed prayer hall. It has a three-bay portico with three domes. A single minaret graces the structure with one balcony. The portico’s arches were later enclosed. First with iron frames and glass. Later with wooden frames and glass transforming its appearance. A glass-enclosed vestibule was added to the entrance.
The Amine Hatun Cami stands on a spacious plot. After its construction the surrounding area saw an increase in Muslim Turkish residents. Two inscription panels with verses adorn the mosque. One is above the entrance to the portico. The other is above the prayer hall entrance. These inscriptions are identical to those in Bebek Camii and Bostancı Camii. The portico inscription features verse 39 from the Al-i İmran surah.
The mosque’s construction is noteworthy. The sections up to the dome level and the minaret’s balcony are made of cut Küfeki stone. The dome and drum appear to have been completed later. These are made of brick and plastered over. The upper part of the minaret is also made of cut stone. But it features a different pattern.
While similar to Bebek Camii, there are subtle differences. The rosettes on the portico’s keystones are absent in Bebek Camii. Conversely Bebek Camii’s rosettes on the arch corners are not present here at Amine Hatun Cami.
Inside the square space transforms into an octagon. This is achieved using corner arches supporting corner domes. Pendentives facilitate the transition to the drum. The dome rests on a high drum. It is wide and shallow. The dome’s weight is transferred. It goes through eight support towers and pointed arches. From there it moves to the wall and then to the ground. The dome is covered with lead.
The Amine Hatun Cami stands as a testament to history. It reflects architectural elegance. It also represents the needs of a growing community. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Consider its historical significance.