“Who was Mihrişah Hacı Kadın?” a question echoing through the centuries lingers around this sacred space. Here stands the Mihrişah Hacı Kadın Camii in Istanbul. It is a testament to faith and Ottoman history.
The Mihrişah Hacı Kadın Camii is a modest structure with a complex past. Two main theories surround its origins. Some believe Hızır Bey, Istanbul’s first judge, built it. They say it was named Hacı Kadın after his daughter. Others credit Mihrişah Hanım, daughter of Vezir İskender Pasha. She supposedly built it and was buried in its grounds in 1540.
Regardless of its true founder the Mihrişah Hacı Kadın Camii holds a special place in the community. It is also known as Hızır Bey Mescidi and Hacı Kadın Mescidi. The mosque’s architecture is simple. Its walls are made of rubble stone. A wooden roof covers the structure.
In 1968 a mosque association added a space for latecomers. They also built a women’s section creating a two-story appearance. The newer section is concrete and clad in cut stone. A staircase leads to the women’s section. The Mihrişah Hacı Kadın Camii’s roof is tiled.
Inside the courtyard once held graves. A sign states Hızır Bey built the mosque in 1527. Some sources say Mihrişah Sultan built it. The original structure was square with rubble stone walls and a wooden roof. In 1968 a concrete addition and women’s section were added.
Hacı Kadın is also associated with a madrasa. It was built by Mihrişah Hatun after Mihrişah Hacı Kadın Camii. She died in 1540-41 and was buried in the mosque’s cemetery. Her marble tomb is in front of the mihrab.
Some confuse her with Sultan Hatun. She was the daughter of Hızır Bey. She was also known as Hacı Kadın. Sultan Hatun was the sister of Sinan Pasha.
İskender Pasha was a vizier under Sultan Selim I. He was executed in 1515. His tomb is near the Arasta Bath behind the Sultanahmet Camii.
The Mihrişah Hacı Kadın Camii stands as a reminder. It represents the dedication of those who came before us. It offers a space for prayer and reflection to all who seek solace within its walls. Its story a blend of fact and legend continues to inspire.