Akbıyık Mosque
- Changes after its construction:
- The small mosque, which was converted into a mosque by Mustafa Ağa, one of the Darüssaade (House of Felicity) aghas, with the addition of a minbar, has undergone some repairs over time.
- The mosque, which fell into ruin over time, was rebuilt during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid.
- It was restored in 1950 with the support of the Monuments Association and the public.
- Today, no trace remains of the first structure of the mosque.
- Prominent Features:
- It is known as one of the oldest mosques in Istanbul.
- It is located at the furthest point among the mosques in Istanbul, according to the Qibla, for this reason it was named “Imamü’l-Mesâcid” (Leader of the Mosques) or “The First Qibla”.
- It has a rectangular plan, masonry walls and a wooden roof. Its interior area is 192 m².
- The single-balcony minaret preserves its old body and balcony.
- It is recorded that it was first built as a mosque and not for any other purpose.
- According to historical records, it is understood that there was a dervish lodge called Çarhacı Ahmed Efendi Tekke next to the mosque. It is estimated that this lodge was related to the Halveti (Khalwati) and Bayrami sects.
