Aksaray Katip Müslihiddin Camii

“A mosque built by a clerk? How peculiar,” you might think, standing here before the Aksaray Katip Müslihiddin Camii. This mosque, tucked away in the Aksaray neighborhood, indeed owes its existence to a man named Katip Muslihittin, a clerk involved in the construction of the Koca Mustafa Paşa Mosque. In 1494, he commissioned this mosque, sometimes called Sinekli Mescid (Mosque with Flies). Katip Muslihittin clearly had a passion for building mosques. He built three in Istanbul: one here in Aksaray, another in Balat, and a third in Şehremini-Altımermer. Aksaray Katip Müslihiddin Camii has faced its share of trials. The mosque endured two fires, one of which, in 1721, led to repairs and the addition of a classic stone fountain near the courtyard gate. Years later, in 1883, Miralay Mazlum Bey, a resident of Aksaray, established the Mülhak Nukud Foundation to support the mosque’s upkeep. Sadly, despite these efforts, Aksaray Katip Müslihiddin Camii fell into disrepair. By 1977, the community rallied and rebuilt the mosque, although its current form differs significantly from the original. The rebuilt Aksaray Katip Müslihiddin Camii features concrete walls and a rather unusual “L” shaped extension that enlarges the prayer hall. Inside, you’ll find a women’s gallery, a concrete ceiling, and a mix of materials. The mihrab is marble, while the minbar and kürsü are wood. The mosque’s exterior is equally simple with a tiled roof and a brick minaret. While the original structure has transformed over time, the Aksaray Katip Müslihiddin Camii still stands. It serves as a testament to the dedication of Katip Muslihittin and the community that has preserved its legacy.