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.