Beneath the Istanbul sky stands Kazasker Camii. Can you imagine the stories these walls could tell? The Kazasker Camii is more than just a building. It is a testament to Istanbul’s rich past.
Let’s journey back to 1585. Kazasker Ivaz Efendi commissioned the great Mimar Sinan to build this mosque. Ivaz Efendi was a high-ranking judge. Mimar Sinan was the most famous architect of his time. The Kazasker Camii stands as a proud example of Ottoman architecture.
Interestingly, the Kazasker Camii was built upon the remains of a Byzantine-era structure. It was Anemas Dungeons. Imagine the layers of history beneath our feet. The walls are made of brick and cut stone. The main dome rests on six supports. Five semi-domes complete the structure.
Once, a wooden last congregation place surrounded the Kazasker Camii on three sides. Sadly, it was torn down after 1935. The minaret stands as a separate structure at the corner of the qibla wall.
The Kazasker Camii was part of a larger complex. This complex included a school, a madrasa, and a fountain. Only the mosque and the fountain remain today. Ivaz Efendi himself is buried in the Hazire. He served as both Anatolian and Rumeli Kazasker.
Now, let’s talk about another Kazasker Camii. This one is the Kazasker Abdurrahman Efendi Camii. It is in the Çapa district of Fatih. Abdurrahman Efendi was a judge during the reign of Kanuni. Mimar Sinan also designed this mosque. It showcases his style with stone walls and a wooden roof.
This Kazasker Camii has faced many challenges. A fire in 1908 damaged it severely. Only the walls and minaret base survived. For years, it stood in disrepair. It even served as a lumber depot.
Thankfully, the Turkish Monuments Association stepped in. They began restoration efforts with community support. The Kazasker Camii was reopened for worship. However, its troubles were not over. In 1957, it was demolished. This happened because of the expansion of Millet Caddesi. Ironically, the Kazasker Camii did not actually obstruct the road.
After 51 years, the Hırka-i Şerif Camii Service Foundation took on the project. They aimed to rebuild it faithfully to the original design. Despite challenges, construction began in 2008. In 2011, the Kazasker Camii was finally restored. Muhittin Cesur sponsored the project in memory of his late wife, Kevser Cesur.
The rebuilt Kazasker Camii features a classical design. It has alternating rows of stone and brick. A wooden dome is inside the lead-covered roof. The interior boasts a wooden ceiling. A wooden staircase leads to the women’s section. The minaret stands on the western side. The mosque has two rows of windows. The lower windows have iron bars. The upper windows feature plaster designs. The mihrab is made of carved marble. The minbar and pulpit were crafted by woodcarvers in Kahramanmaraş.
The dome inscription is by Hattat Hüseyin Kutlu. It features Ayet’el Kürsi. The inscription includes a quatrain. It honors the architect Mimar Sinan. It also honors Abdurrahman Efendi. It recognizes Muhittin Cesur and his wife Kevser Hanım.
As we stand here, remember the resilience of the Kazasker Camii. It is a symbol of faith. It is a symbol of perseverance. It is a tribute to Istanbul’s enduring spirit.