Remember Hass Murad Pasha. His legacy lives on in this very spot. We are standing before the Murat Pasha Mosque. It is a 15th-century Ottoman mosque. The mosque is nestled between two busy roads. These roads connect Aksaray and Yusufpasa in Istanbul’s Fatih district.
The Murat Pasha Mosque’s story began in 1465. Hass Murad Pasha commissioned it. Sadly, he did not live to see its completion. His brother, Mesih Pasha, finished the project. Mesih Pasha is buried here.
Notice the mosque’s design. It reflects the early Ottoman style. This style was perfected in Bursa. The main space is rectangular. It features two identical domes. Each dome is 21 meters high. Their diameter is 10.5 meters. Look at the mihrab and minbar. They are on the rectangle’s short side.
The entrance is unique. It resembles the narthex of Byzantine churches. This leads to a portico. Take a moment to appreciate the architecture of Murat Pasha Mosque.
Storms and fires have tested the Murat Pasha Mosque over time. In 1640, a storm caused damage. Fires in 1660 and 1693 devastated the Aksaray district. The mosque suffered.
Major changes occurred in the 20th century. In 1929-1930, the madrasah was demolished. It stood to the west of the Murat Pasha Mosque. Early in the century, a bathhouse was torn down. Road construction in 1956 led to further demolition.
Architect Vasfi Egeli repaired the mosque in 1935. Recently, the interior was decorated by hand. During street construction in 1957-1958, the graveyard was narrowed. The courtyard wall and fountain were moved. The tomb and fountain of Sirmerd Cavus Shrine and the Oglanlar Tekke were relocated to the courtyard.
The Murat Pasha Mosque has distinct features. It includes a tabhane. This was a charity institution. It provided food to the poor and students. The mosque consists of two domed units. They are of equal size. They sit on the qibla axis. Two square domed tabhanes are on each side. The tabhanes are lower than the Harim. This creates a stepped appearance.
Observe the five units and pointed arches. Six columns support the domes. They are connected by pendentives. Two columns are granite. They have diamond-shaped heads. Others are green porphyry with muqarnas heads.
The minaret stands in the northwest corner. Muqarnas decorate the balcony. A garland motif adorns the upper part. This indicates a 19th-century repair. Two undated sundials are on the base.
The graveyard to the south holds important figures. Grand Vizier Mesih Pasha is buried here. Kara Davud Pasha also rests here. Sheikh al-Islam Pirizade Osman Sahib Effendi and Altiparmak Ibrahim Efendi are here too. The gravestones reflect different centuries’ styles.
The Murat Pasha Mosque stands as a testament to time. It has survived natural disasters, neglect, and changing city plans. Its walls whisper stories of faith, charity, and resilience. As you leave, remember the vision of Hass Murad Pasha. Remember the dedication of his brother. Remember the countless souls who have found solace within these walls. The Murat Pasha Mosque remains a beacon of history and spirituality.