Vasat Atik Ali Mosque

Audio Narration

Construction Year:

1502-1512

Location:

Fatih, İstanbul

Ordered by:

Hadım Ali Pasha (Grand Vizier of the reign of Bayezid II)

Architects:

Unknown

- Changes after its construction
  • It was significantly damaged by the earthquake, and its minaret and three masonry arches in the inner courtyard were destroyed up to the balcony or completely.
  • It underwent a major renovation in the 1680s.
  • According to some sources, it was repaired again in the 18th century and its gate was built.
  • It was restored by the Directorate General of Foundations in 1956-1957.
  • The inscription above the single entrance door belongs to the famous Ottoman calligrapher M. Rakım Efendi.
- Prominent features
  • It is also known as “Atik Ali Paşa Mosque”, “Vasat Ali Paşa Mosque” and “Zincirli Kuyu Mosque”.
  • The building, which bears the characteristics of Ottoman architecture, is similar in style of Ulu Mosque in Bursa and has a rectangular plan and many domes.
  • The Harim (Prayer Hall) section is covered with a total of 9 domes, 6 of which are on two pillars, and the narthex is covered with 3 domes.
  • The walls are built of cut stone and brick in alternating rows.
  • It is clear that the minaret, especially its base, was not built in the same period as the mosque.
  • There are four buttresses on the walls opposite the arches on which the domes rest on the side and rear facades.
  • Its mihrab is made of plaster and designed with 6 rows of almonds and tassels at the end; however, it is thought to be new.
  • The minbar is made of stone and painted with oil paint.
  • The entrance to the single-balcony minaret is from the outside and the body is connected to the base by triangles.
  • The body of the minaret is made of cut stone, and there are bagel reliefs on the outside, after the base triangles and under the balcony.
  • The balcony railings have geometric reliefs, and the bottom of the balcony has spiral grooves.
  • The gallery and the pulpit inside are made of wood.