Whispers of history echo here at the Tabaklar Camii. This historic mosque stands in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district. It is also known as Konyalı Biraderler Camii or Debbağlar Camii.
Hacı Ferhat Ağa and Hacı Mehmet Ağa built the Tabaklar Camii. Construction began in 1587. The mosque opened for worship in 1588 after only a year. Its architecture reflects classic Ottoman design.
Interestingly the Valide-i Atik Camii played a role in the Tabaklar Camii’s story. When the Valide-i Atik Camii was completed some materials remained. Hacı Ferhat and Hacı Mehmet asked Valide Sultan for permission to use these materials. They were granted permission and constructed the Tabaklar Camii.
Time took its toll. The Tabaklar Camii needed repair. It was first renovated in 1803. Another restoration occurred in 1973 giving the Tabaklar Camii its present form.
Originally the Tabaklar Camii stood alone. Later a hazire that is a small enclosed cemetery was added. Today apartments surround the mosque.
The area was known as Tabaklar Mahallesi until 2008. The Tabaklar Camii is very close to the Kurban Nasuh Baba Camii. Hacı Ferhat Ağa and Hacı Mehmet Ağa who commissioned the mosque rest in Seyyid Ahmet Deresi.
Several notable figures are buried in the hazire. These include Abdullah Efendi who died in 1726. Imam Ali Efendi who passed away in 1797 also rests here. Serhalife-i Meczuban-ı Ilahi Sadık Baba who died in 1869 is also buried here.
The Tabaklar Camii stands on Tabaklar Camii Street in Çiçekçi Üsküdar. The mosque has a square plan and a flat wooden roof. There is no inscription from its original period. A few graves are present in the courtyard towards the qibla direction.
The mosque has a single minaret with one balcony. It is also known as the Debbağlar Camii. Its name Tabaklar Camii comes from a stream near Tabaklar Meydanı. During the construction of Valide-i Atik Camii twelve tanneries were built to provide income for the mosque.
The Tabaklar Camii provides a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich past. It connects us to the Ottoman era. It reminds us of the generosity of Hacı Ferhat Ağa and Hacı Mehmet Ağa. Take a moment to appreciate the history within these walls.