Surrounded by the echoes of history, we stand before the \u00dcsk\u00fcpl\u00fc \u00c7ak\u0131ra\u011fa Cami. This mosque carries tales from the 15th century to the present day. It stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
The \u00dcsk\u00fcpl\u00fc \u00c7ak\u0131ra\u011fa Cami is also known by other names. People call it Cibali \u00c7ak\u0131r A\u011fa Mosque or S\u00fcleyman \u00c7elebi Mosque. It is even referred to as \u00dcsk\u00fcbi \u00c7ak\u0131r A\u011fa Mosque. The mosque’s story begins in the 15th century. \u00c7ak\u0131r A\u011fa, who participated in the Conquest of Istanbul, first had it built as a small mescit, or a small mosque.
Later, in the 16th century, S\u00fcleyman \u00c7elebi renovated the structure and converted it into a proper mosque. Because of this, it also became known as the S\u00fcleyman \u00c7elebi Mosque. S\u00fcleyman \u00c7elebi was a treasury officer during the reign of Kanuni, also known as Suleiman the Magnificent.
Legend has it that the famous architect Mimar Sinan oversaw a restoration during Kanuni’s time. Historical records mention a “Defendar S\u00fcleyman \u00c7elebi Mosque” at the corner of the \u00dcsk\u00fcbl\u00fc Fountain. This is believed to be the same \u00dcsk\u00fcpl\u00fc \u00c7ak\u0131ra\u011fa Cami.
The \u00dcsk\u00fcpl\u00fc \u00c7ak\u0131ra\u011fa Cami faced difficult times. It was ruined in the 19th century. A fire further damaged the mosque. However, it was renovated again during the reign of Sultan Abd\u00fclaziz between 1861 and 1876. The renovators aimed to replicate the roofed mosque style of the Fatih period. The mosque received extensive repairs in 1989, giving it its current appearance.
Even Evliya \u00c7elebi described the \u00dcsk\u00fcpl\u00fc \u00c7ak\u0131ra\u011fa Cami in the 17th century. He noted it had a lead dome inside its roof. He referred to it as the “Defterdar S\u00fcleyman \u00c7elebi Mosque.”
Old Ottoman documents refer to it as “\u00c7ak\u0131r A\u011fa Mosque.” This name comes from its original benefactor. Correspondence from 1873 discusses repairs to the minaret of the “\u00c7ak\u0131r A\u011fa Mosque in Cibali.” The community funded these repairs. The contractor, Karanfil Kalfa, began the minaret repairs. After his death, Hac\u0131 Halil A\u011fa completed the work for 42 thousand kurus.
The \u00dcsk\u00fcpl\u00fc \u00c7ak\u0131ra\u011fa Cami today showcases the architectural style of the Abd\u00fclaziz period. Its rectangular design features a roof. Neoclassical elements include round arches with keystones, molding, and shifted stone arrangements. A wide arch graces the front facade.
Inside the \u00dcsk\u00fcpl\u00fc \u00c7ak\u0131ra\u011fa Cami, one can find an imam’s room and side balconies. The mihrab is made of ceramic tiles. The minbar is crafted from painted wood. The ceiling is covered with wooden slats. The walls are adorned with ceramic tiles up to 125 cm high. Windows illuminate the space.
As we conclude our visit to the \u00dcsk\u00fcpl\u00fc \u00c7ak\u0131ra\u011fa Cami, remember its long history. It started as a small mescit and transformed into the beautiful mosque we see today. It is a symbol of faith and resilience.