Gazing at the Gül Mosque, a sense of tranquility washes over you. But beneath its serene facade lies a turbulent past. Gül Mosque, also known as the Rose Mosque, has witnessed centuries of change, from its Byzantine origins as a church to its current role as a mosque. The Gül Mosque stands in the Fatih district of Istanbul, in the Ayakapı neighborhood. This area, known as the “Gate of the Saint,” is located at the end of a valley separating two of Constantinople’s seven hills. The mosque’s commanding position overlooks the Golden Horn.
The Gül Mosque began as a Byzantine church, possibly in the late 10th century. Its true dedication remains a mystery. Some scholars believe it was the church of Saint Theodosia. Others suggest it was the monastery of Christ the Benefactor. A late 15th-century visit by Stephan Gerlach solidified its identification as the Church of Hagia Theodosia. Later research suggests a Komnenian-era construction (late 11th-early 12th century). The name Gül Mosque, or Rose Mosque, emerged after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Legend says Ottoman troops found the church adorned with roses. This floral tribute, perhaps linked to Saint Theodosia’s feast day on May 29th, led to its new name.
The church’s basement was used for secular purposes in the Byzantine period. Built with the “recessed brick” technique, it features alternating brick courses set back and embedded in thick mortar layers. This gives the basement a unique texture and strength. Inside the Gül Mosque, a triple arcade leads into the nave. Galleries flank the nave, forming the arms of the Greek cross plan. Five domes rise above, a central dome and four smaller corner domes. The central dome is Ottoman, supported by broad pointed arches. The mihrab, indicating the direction of Mecca, is placed within the main apse. The mosque has five rows of windows. Some of these are original, while others are Ottoman additions.
The mosque also houses a curious chamber in the southeast pier. This chamber is said to contain the tomb of Gül Baba. An Ottoman inscription above it reads: “Tomb of the Apostle, disciple of Jesus. Peace be with him”. This inscription hints at the complex religious landscape of 16th-century Istanbul. The Gül Mosque has seen its share of damage and restoration. Earthquakes ravaged it during the 17th and 18th centuries. Sultan Murad IV later rebuilt parts of it, including the dome, minaret, and west side. It also survived a major fire in 1782. Sultan Mahmud II further restored it, adding the wooden sultan’s lodge. The Gül Mosque, a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, stands as a silent witness to Istanbul’s rich history.