Built by Sitti Hatun in the 16th century Sitte-i Hatun Camii stands before you. This mosque holds a unique story. It wasn’t always a grand mosque. It began as a smaller mescid. Sitte Hatun the daughter of the eighth Sheikh ul-Islam Zenbilli Ali Efendi commissioned its construction. The exact date remains a mystery lost to time.
A significant transformation occurred later. Afazade Mehmet Efendi added a minbar. This elevated platform for the imam transformed the mescid into a full-fledged cami. The mosque’s grounds once included a medrese. This was a school established by Mehmet Efendi himself.
Sadly time and neglect took their toll. By 1952 Sitte-i Hatun Camii was in disrepair. Local support was vital. The community rallied. They funded a complete renovation. Except for the walls everything was replaced. A new son cemaat yeri a space for latecomers was added.
The mosque’s architectural details are fascinating. Its walls are made of kagir a type of masonry. The roof is a kırma style a distinctive Ottoman feature covered with tiles. Nine steps lead up to the son cemaat yeri. A modern aluminum and glass entrance protects the space from the elements.
Inside Sitti Hatun Camii’s beauty continues. Four windows grace each wall arranged in alternating rows. The mihrap and pulpit are simple concrete structures. The wooden minbar and ceiling feature vibrant paint. The mihrap niche is beautifully decorated.
The mosque’s single minaret is rather short. It’s made of cut stone at the base. The shaft and balcony are crafted from brick. Its concrete top completes the minaret’s design.
Sitte-i Hatun Camii has a large courtyard. An imam’s residence and a small shed are located within. Sitte Hatun’s final resting place is nearby. She is buried next to her father in Zeyrekbasi in the grounds of the school he built. This small but historically significant mosque offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich past.