Piyale Paşa Mosque
- Changes the building has undergone since its construction
- The mosque and tomb underwent various repairs in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Other structures of the complex, such as the bazaar, fountain, primary school, madrasah and lodge, have disappeared over time.
- Significant restorations were carried out in the 1960s.
- Prominent features of the mosque
- Piyale Pasha Mosque was built by Grand Admiral Piyale Pasha as part of a large complex. The materials used in the construction of the mosque include cut limestone, rubble stone and brick.
- The most distinctive feature of the mosque is that it is covered with six domes. The Harim section is supported by two granite columns carrying the domes and the Harim walls.
- Its minaret is located on the northern wall of the mosque and is in an unusual position. This feature points out that the mosque has an interesting design in terms of architecture. The minaret base is made of cut limestone and its body is built in a polygonal shape.
- The mosque offers a spacious and bright atmosphere in the interior. This is due to the presence of many windows arranged in three rows. The windows on the side facades, opening to the lower and upper floors, allow daylight to enter the interior.
- The mosque’s mihrab is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Iznik tilework which was produced with the underglaze technique. The tile decorations on the arches surrounding the dome of the mosque were made by Hasan Çelebi, one of the greatest calligraphers of the period.
- The galleries of the Piyale Pasha Mosque were designed as two stories and gave the mosque a striking external appearance. The galleries were supported by thin columns and equipped with wooden lattices.
- Right next to the mosque is the tomb of Piyale Pasha. The tomb, which has an octagonal plan and a simple design, is adorned with marble sarcophagi on the inside.
