“Old Queen Mother Mosque” What stories could these stones tell if they could speak? We stand before the magnificent Atik Valide Camii. It is a 16th-century Ottoman imperial mosque. This mosque graces a hill in Üsküdar, Istanbul. Its story is interwoven with power, ambition and architectural genius.
The Atik Valide Camii was commissioned by Nurbanu Sultan. She was the wife of Sultan Selim II. More significantly, she was the mother of Murad III. Nurbanu was a Venetian-born woman who rose to become one of the most influential figures in the Ottoman Empire. She was the first valide sultan. This meant she exercised real power from the harem during the Sultanate of Women.
Imagine Nurbanu Sultan. She is a woman of intellect and determination. She envisioned a grand complex. It would not only honor Allah but also solidify her legacy. Thus, the Atik Valide Camii complex began to take shape in 1571.
The renowned imperial architect Mimar Sinan designed the Atik Valide Camii. However, Sinan was busy with the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne. Another architect initially oversaw the construction. The first version of the mosque was completed in 1574.
Nurbanu’s status grew when her son Murad III became Sultan in 1574. The Atik Valide Camii complex expanded. A second minaret and a double portico were added between 1577 and 1578. These additions reflected her elevated position as queen mother.
Nurbanu Sultan died in 1583. Construction continued after her death from 1584 to 1586. The mosque was expanded laterally. Small domes were added to each side of the central dome.
The Atik Valide Camii was more than just a mosque. It was a külliye. This meant it was a complex of buildings serving the community. It included a madrasa which is a theological school. It also had a hadith college and a school for Quran recitation. An elementary school, a dervish convent, a hospital, a hospice, a guest-house and a double caravanseray were also included. A bath-house was also built at this time. The Atik Valide Complex became one of the largest in Istanbul.
Look at the central dome. It spans 12.7 meters. Six arches support it. Two free-standing columns add to its grandeur. Semi-domes extend the space. One contains the mihrab. This indicates the direction of Mecca. The qibla wall and mihrab recess are adorned with beautiful Iznik tiles. These tiles depict spring blossoms and flowers.
Notice the calligraphic lunette panels above the windows. They feature verses from the Quran. These panels add to the mosque’s spiritual ambiance.
Interestingly, upper floors were added to the hospice buildings in the 19th century. They transformed into a military hospital and prison.
Today, the Atik Valide Camii stands as a testament to Ottoman imperial power. It also honors the vision of Nurbanu Sultan. It remains a place of worship and a significant historical landmark in Istanbul. As you leave the Atik Valide Camii, consider the layers of history within its walls. Think of the powerful queen mother who shaped its destiny.