Feridun Paşa Camii

Did Feridun Paşa ever imagine his small mosque would become a cherished landmark? Right here in Kadıköy, along the bustling Koşuyolu Caddesi, stands the Feridun Paşa Camii. It’s also known as the Feridiye Cami. Built in 1912, this octagonal mosque whispers tales of a bygone era. Ferik Feridun Paşa, the man behind its creation, commissioned this house of worship, leaving a permanent mark on Istanbul’s landscape. The Feridun Paşa Camii, a modest wooden structure, features an octagonal design. Each facet is adorned with windows, allowing sunlight to stream into the prayer hall. The inscription above the entrance, a verse from the Quran, greets worshippers. Inside, the wooden minbar stands as a testament to traditional craftsmanship. Feridun Paşa, the mosque’s benefactor, had a fascinating background. He was the son of İbrahim Sarım Bey, a former mutasarrıf, a type of Ottoman administrator. Interestingly, Feridun Paşa gained the nickname “Mısırlı” (Egyptian) due to his marriage to Vicdan Nevcivan Hanım, the second wife of İbrahim Fehmi Ahmet Paşa, a descendant of the famed Mehmet Ali Pasha of Egypt. The construction of the Feridun Paşa Camii began in 1910 and concluded on July 27, 1912. Beside the mosque, a small house was built for the imam and muezzin. This building later served as the Koşuyolu Elementary School in 1953-54. It was renamed after the famous Turkish author, Reşat Nuri Güntekin, in 1957. The area surrounding the mosque, Koşuyolu (which translates to “Runners’ Road”), also has a story to tell. In the early 20th century, firemen held races along this road, from İbrahimağa to Tophanelioğlu. Over time, horse races replaced these competitions, solidifying the area’s association with running and giving it its distinctive name. The Feridun Paşa Camii, a small yet significant landmark, reflects both personal stories and the history of Istanbul. Its simple elegance, combined with the intriguing tale of its founder, makes it a true hidden gem.