Did you know that the Hayrettin Atmaca Camii was once part of an Eastern Orthodox monastery? This Istanbul mosque has a rich history. It blends Byzantine and Ottoman influences.
Let’s delve into the story of the Hayrettin Atmaca Camii. Its origins trace back to the Byzantine era. Many believe it was part of the Monastery of Gastria. Gastria means “Monastery of the Vases”. Legend says Empress Helena founded a nunnery here. She supposedly left vases with aromatic herbs. These herbs were collected from Calvary.
The nunnery of Gastria appeared in the ninth century. Theoctista bought a house. She was the mother of Empress Theodora. Theodora was the wife of Emperor Theophilos. Theoctista established a nunnery there. Her daughter Theodora inherited the property. The church served as a mausoleum. Several members of Theodora’s family were buried here.
A Russian pilgrim mentioned Gastria in the 15th century. He recalled a nunnery near the Golden Gate. Relics of Saint Euphemia and Saint Eudokia were venerated there. This could have been Gastria.
After the Fall of Constantinople Hayrettin Effendi converted the building. He was the Sancaktar or standard-bearer of Sultan Mehmed II. The building became a mescit or oratory. Hayrettin Effendi was buried there. The earthquake of 1894 damaged the mosque. It was restored between 1973 and 1976.
The Hayrettin Atmaca Camii is small. It may have been a martyrion. A martyrion is a burial chapel or mausoleum. It dates back to the Palaiologan period. That is the 14th century. The building has an irregular octagon shape. The interior is cross-shaped. An apse faces east. Windows illuminate the interior. They open on alternate sides.
The exterior shows a polychromy. This is typical of the Palaiologan period. It uses alternating courses of brick and ashlar. Remnants of walls showed it was connected to other buildings. A minaret was added during restoration.
The Hayrettin Atmaca Camii preserves architectural interest. It resembles the Sheik Suleiman Mesjedi. This is another Byzantine building. The northern southern and western arches have windows. The entrance is in the western arch. The interior has an equal-armed cross shape. The dome over the central area collapsed. The apse is semicircular.
Interestingly the apse may be a later addition. The masonry differs from the rest of the building. Some believe the building was originally a library. It was later transformed into a church. This met a special demand.
Today the Hayrettin Atmaca Camii stands as a testament. It represents Constantinople’s layered past. It blends Byzantine and Ottoman history. It’s a unique place of worship. Its story is a captivating blend of legend faith and architectural evolution.