Koruk Mahmud Ağa Mosque

Audio Narration:

Construction Year:

15th century

Location:

Fatih, İstanbul

Ordered by:

Koruk Mahmud Ağa

Architect:

Unknown

Changes After Its Construction:
  • Koruk Mahmud Ağa, a member of the Nimel Ceyş class, had the mosque originally built as a mescid in the second half of the 15th century.
  • Over time, the structure fell into ruin and was rebuilt during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II. In 1970, it was reconstructed again with slight expansion.
  • Although sources state that the tomb of the founder is near the mosque, the broken tombstone in front of the mihrab bears no visible name.
Prominent Features:
  • The mosque has an almost square plan and a modest appearance with a tiled roof. The last congregation portico (son cemaat yeri) was added later.
  • The right-side minaret is partially trapped between two buildings; its polygonal base and cylindrical shaft are of equal height. It features a concrete balcony (şerefe) with iron railings and a lead-covered spire. The entrance to the minaret has been opened through a newer building.
  • Entry to the prayer hall (harim) is through the last congregation area. The right and left walls have three rectangular windows at the lower level and three oval ones above; there are also two-tiered windows flanking the mihrab.
  • The protruding mihrab, along with the minbar and preacher’s platform (kürsü), are wooden and painted with oil-based paint.
  • The flat concrete ceiling is whitewashed, and the lower parts of the interior walls are clad in marble.
  • The courtyard contains an imam’s residence, restrooms, and a building now used as a girls’ Qur’an school. Due to various restorations, the mosque has largely lost its original form.