Güzelce Kasım Paşa Mosque (Mosque Kebir)

Audio Narration

Construction Year:

1533-34

Location:

Beyoğlu, İstanbul

Ordered by:

Güzelce Kasım Pasha

Architect:

Mimar Sinan

- Changes the building has undergone since its construction
  • The mosque has suffered two fires since its construction. The first fire occurred in 1722 and the mosque, which was completely burned, was rebuilt by Feyzullah Effendi.
  • In the 19th century, the mosque suffered another fire and this time, during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz, in 1891, it was rebuilt with a single dome and two minarets.
- Prominent features of the mosque
  • The Güzelce Kasım Pasha Mosque was built by Güzelce Kasım Pasha, who ensured the Ottoman fleet was transported from Gallipoli to the Golden Horn during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. The mosque, which was originally made of wood, has reached its current state due to fires and restorations.
  • The mosque has a square plan and there are lower prayer areas on both sides of the main area. This feature provides the fact that the mosque has a different planning approach.
  • The main entrance of the mosque is located under lead-covered eaves resting on six columns. The women’s section is located on the upper floor and can be reached by the stairs in the right corner.
  • The interior is quite bright and spacious. The eight-segmented dome completes the aesthetic structure of the mosque.
  • The mihrab on the qibla facade is made of marble and colored with ornaments. There is a marble minbar in the right corner and a marble preacher’s pulpit on the east facade.
  • The mosque is covered with intense hand-drawn ornaments in the interior. Large-sized motifs, especially common in the second half of the 19th century, are seen.
  • In the courtyard of the mosque, there is the Feyzullah Effendi Fountain dating back to 1737, and a courtyard fountain dating back to 1870.