How about stepping back in time to Istanbul’s early 16th century? Right here before us stands the magnificent Bau011flar Beyazu0131t Cami. This Ottoman imperial mosque graces Beyazu0131t Square. It stands near the ancient Forum of Theodosius ruins.
The Bau011flar Beyazu0131t Cami’s story begins with Sultan Bayezid II. He commissioned it. Construction took place between 1500 and 1505. A ku00fclliye was added immediately after. This religious and charitable complex included a medrese completed in 1507. There was also a large hamam completed before 1507. An imaret a caravanserai and several mausolea completed the complex. Bayezid II himself rests in one of these mausolea.
Interestingly the chief architect remains a mystery. Scholar Ru0131fku0131 Melu00fcl Meriu00e7 suggested Yakubu015fah ibn Islamu015fah. Yakubu015fah’s polished style suggests he had experience. He was familiar with earlier Ottoman and western techniques. We know he was the nephew of the Fatih Mosque’s Greek architect.
Did you know that this area was once called “the Pigeon Mosque”? Large flocks of birds gathered here. Worshippers often fed them.
Over the centuries the Bau011flar Beyazu0131t Cami has faced challenges. An earthquake in 1509 caused damage. Mimar Sinan carried out repairs in 1573-74. Fires damaged the minarets in 1683 and 1754. Lightning struck in 1743 also causing damage. Repairs occurred in 1767 after another earthquake.
Extensive restoration work took place from 2012 to 2020. The team removed inappropriate materials. They cleaned or replaced damaged materials. About 150 people worked on the project. It cost 49 million Turkish Liras.
The Bau011flar Beyazu0131t Cami showcases classic Ottoman architecture. Its design reflects a crucial period. It bridges early and classical Ottoman styles.
Notice the courtyard almost equals the mosque’s size. A colonnaded peristyle surrounds it. Twenty columns support it. Look closely. Two columns are porphyry ten are verd antique and six are pink granite. The courtyard has 24 small domes. Polychrome marble paves the area.
The mosque itself is square. Each side measures about 40 meters. The dome’s diameter is approximately 17 meters. Semi-domes support the central dome. These are along the main axis. Arches run along the secondary axis. Cut stone constructs the mosque entirely. Colored stones and marbles add to its beauty.
Inside the Bau011flar Beyazu0131t Cami resembles a smaller Hagia Sophia. Semi-domes to the east and west create a nave. Side aisles extend the mosque’s width. They feature four small domes each. Huge rectangular piers support the dome. Smooth pendentives and stalactite decorations adorn it. Twenty windows circle the dome’s base. Seven windows illuminate each semi-dome.
Behind the Bau011flar Beyazu0131t Cami lies a garden. It holds the tombs of Sultan Bayezid II. His daughter Selu00e7uk Hatun rests here too. Grand Vizier Koca Mustafa Reu015fid Pasha is also entombed here. An arcade of shops runs below the garden. Mimar Sinan designed it in 1580. Their rents originally supported the mosque.
The former soup kitchen became the State Library of Istanbul in 1882. Today it houses over 120000 books and 7000 manuscripts.
The Bau011flar Beyazu0131t Cami stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich history. It reflects Ottoman imperial power. It also showcases architectural innovation. Its enduring presence continues to inspire awe.