Hoca Kasım Günani Mosque

Audio Narration

Construction Year

1557-1558

Location

Fatih, İstanbul

Ordered by

There are different opinions about the founder of the structure: ● According to some sources, it was built by Rüstem Pasha teacher, Hoca Kasım. ● According to the inscription of the mosque, it was built by Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent and wife of Rüstem Pasha.

Architect

Unknown

Changes after its construction
  •  The expenses of the mosque were covered by the Rüstem Pasha Foundation and the
    minbar was added by Rüstem Pasha.
  •  It is listed as Hace Yusuf Sinan Bin Hace Kasım Foundation” in the Istanbul
    Foundations Records.
  •  It was rebuilt in 1960 with reinforced concrete and is far from its original state.
  •  In 1976, the fountain on the right side of the entrance was demolished and replaced with
    toilets and ablution areas.
  • Additionally, a residence was built for the imam and the muezzin.
  •  It underwent extensive restoration in 2015 and 2019.
Prominent Features
  •  It is also known as “Tekke Mosque”.
  •  It has a single-balcony minaret.
  •  The mihrab and minbar are decorated with tile work.
  •  Its pulpit is made of wood.
  •  The narthex is closed and there is a reinforced concrete gallery above the entrance door
    of the mosque.
  •  An addition was made to the side of the mosque and connected to the main hall.
  •  The windows are rectangular at the bottom and pointed arched at the top. Iron framed
    glass is added to the inside to provide protection from the cold.
  •  The walls of the mosque are built with stones and bricks and are quite thick.
  •  Rüstem Pasha Madrasa, a large building, is located right across from Eminönü Hoca
    Kasım Günani Mosque.
  •  There is a graveyard in front of the mosque.