Tuz Baba Mosque
- Changes after its construction
- It was first built in 1490.
- Over time, it has suffered many damages from the earthquakes and has been restored many times.
- Prominent Features
- According to popular belief, the story of the mosque begins in 1453 during the conquest of Istanbul. Tuz Baba Halid, one of the Janissaries of Mehmed the Conqueror, was appointed as the Tuzcubaşı (en: “Chief Salt Collector”) of the palace because he provided salt to the army. After staying in the palace for a while, Tuz Baba settled where the mosque is today and passed away here.
- There is a strong belief among the people of Beşiktaş that Tuzbaba protects the district.
- The mosque was built on a set on a sloping land.
- Visitors pray in front of the windows of the shrine and follow a traditional ritual by eating salt, which they believe has healing properties.
- Salt is left as an offering to the mosque and this salt is placed in the yellow chest inside the building.
