Fabric of faith. That is the Arakiyeci Hacı Caferağa Camii’s legacy. It stands at the corner where Divitçiler Street meets Körbakkal Street. This is in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district. The Arakiyeci Hacı Caferağa Camii is more than just a mosque. It is a testament to time and devotion.
Let’s delve into the story of the Arakiyeci Hacı Caferağa Camii. Mehmet Ağa was a benefactor who died in 1537. He originally built the mosque. Later, in 1605, Cafer Ağa renovated it. Thus, it became known as Arakiyeci Hacı Caferağa Camii.
Around 1760, during Sultan Mustafa III’s reign, Seyyid Mehmet Emin Ağa added a pulpit. This addition officially converted it into a mosque. Over time, the Arakiyeci Hacı Caferağa Camii lost its original form.
The minaret saw demolition during the construction of additions in 1996. This construction happened with public donations. In 2018, it underwent major repair work. It then reopened for worship.
The Arakiyeci Hacı Caferağa Camii has other names. People also call it Divitçiler Camii and Takkeci Mescidi.
Look closely at the courtyard wall facing Körbakkal Street. You will see a small inscription. It reads: “Arakiyeci Hacı Cafer Çelebi. It is a neighborhood and a holy mosque. 1012 (1603).”
The door opening onto this street leads to a small courtyard. Here, you will find three ablution taps. The water is pumped. Stone stairs on both sides lead to the wooden narthex. It is a small temple. It features a concrete mat laid on four masonry walls. A tiled roof covers it. The pulpit is wood. So is the preaching platform.
The stone minaret was later plastered with cement. The balcony’s railing is iron.
Cafer Çelebi’s grave consists of two four-sided columns. They are made of Kefeki stone. The grave has no inscription. A marble stone is attached to the iron railing of the need window in front of the grave. It reads: “Arakiyeci Hacı Cafer Çelebi’s Merkad-i He is a sheriff. May Allah have mercy on him. 1012.” This inscription tells us Cafer Çelebi died the year he had the mosque repaired.
Arakiyye is a fabric. It is made by hand-beating sheep and camel wool. Mevlevi coins, felt caps, and prayer rugs came from it. Many arakiye makers once worked here. They were in the Arakiyeci Hacı Cafer Neighborhood. They also worked at Selimiye stalls in Üsküdar.
According to Tayyarzade Ata Bey, the Arakiyeci Mosque was in a place called ‘Ak-Yapu’. In 1835, Sultan Mahmud II had it repaired. He rebuilt it and completed the foundations by placing a pulpit.
The Arakiyeci Hacı Caferağa Camii, a humble yet resilient structure, embodies the spirit of faith, community, and enduring legacy.