“What happened to the Muhtesib Karagöz Mescidi?” I wonder. Once, this mosque stood proudly in Istanbul’s Fatih district near Saraçhane. It was also known as Saraçhane Karagöz Mescidi. Let’s delve into its past.
The Karagöz Sırtı Camii once stood near today’s Archeology Park. Imagine Horhor to the west. Kavaklı Sokağı would lead you right to it. This mosque had a dome. Records show it possessed a foundation worth 1000 akçe in March 1488. A man named Mehmed is noted as its founder.
Sadly the Karagöz Sırtı Camii closed its doors to worship in 1930. Then in 1953 it faced demolition. This was to allow for ongoing archeological excavations in the area.
But there’s hope. The “Works Awaiting Revival Association” aims to rebuild the Karagöz Sırtı Camii. Moreover, Ekrem İmamoğlu the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, has ordered its reconstruction.
While we discuss Karagöz it’s worth noting the famed Karagöz shadow puppets of Turkish culture. “Karagöz” means “black eye” in Turkish. This art form blends poetry music song and dance. It weaves ordinary tales with mysticism and humor.
The Karagöz plays typically revolve around two main characters. These are Karagöz himself and Hacivat. Legend claims they were real men. They worked on the Ulu Camii construction in Bursa in 1396. Karagöz was a worker and Hacivat was the foreman. Their jokes distracted the other workers. The Sultan ordered their execution because of it. A puppet master immortalized them in a shadow puppet play.
Karagöz represents the common man. He is uneducated but reliable. Hacivat represents an upper-class educated man. The plays highlight their antics friendships and fights.
Many other characters appear. They portray different ethnicities within Ottoman society. Everyone was accepted regardless of race or religion.
Originally puppets were made from camel or water buffalo hide. Artists used plant roots and Indian ink for color. A puppet master is a true “hayali” or image creator.
The Karagöz tradition continues. The Karagöz Museum in Bursa preserves its history. UNESCO added Karagöz to its list of intangible cultural heritage in 2009.
Although the original Karagöz Sırtı Camii is gone its story remains. And with luck it will soon rise again. It will stand as a testament to Istanbul’s rich history. It will also stand to the enduring legacy of Turkish culture.