Cendereci Muhittin Çelebi Mosque

AUDIO NARRATION:

CONSTRUCTION YEAR:

15th century

LOCATION:

Sarıyer, İstanbul

ORDERED BY:

Cenderecizade Muhittin Çelebi (Treasurer of Anatolia during the reign of Mehmedthe Conqueror and Chief Treasurer during the reign of his son Bayezid II)

ARCHITECTS:

Unknown

Changes After Its Construction:
  • In the 19th century, it was rebuilt and revived, especially within the scope of the construction activities of Sultan Abdulhamid II.
  • During this period, a primary school was built next to the mosque and it became one ofthe important structures of the village square.
  • During the Republican period and in the following years, various repairs were carried outon the roof, minaret and interior.
Prominent Features:
  • It is a small-scale, square-plan, masonry-walled village mosque.
  • It has a tiled roof supported by large wooden beams (instead of a large dome, a plainroof is preferred).
  • Its single-balcony minaret is made of cut stone and reflects the classical Ottoman style.
  • The mihrab is a round-arched niche on the wall; the minbar, with its wooden railings withgeometric motifs, highlights simplicity and functionality.
  • The windows have pointed arched forms and provide natural light to the interior thanksto their mutual arrangement.
  • There is an octagonal fountain (Şadırvan) in its courtyard; together with the adjacent oldprimary school (Quran course) building, it forms a small social complex.