Changes After Construction
The structure of Yeraltı Mosque was built as the cellar of the fortress known as Kastellion ton Galatou, which was built to control the entrance of the Golden Horn during the Byzantine period.
During the Ottoman period, after the conquest of Istanbul, the cellar was used as an ammunition depot and a water cistern.
It was converted into a mosque by Köse Bahir Mustafa Pasha between 1752-1756.
The minaret of the mosque collapsed in an earthquake that occurred shortly after its conversion into a mosque and was rebuilt by Sultan Mahmud I.
The wooden structure on the mosque was restored in 1985.
Featured Highlights
The mosque, which has a rectangular plan, is surrounded by vaults resting on 54 thick pillars. Daylight of the building is provided through the windows on the sea side.
Inside the mosque are the tombs attributed to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad: Amr ibn al-As, Wahb ibn Husayra and Sufyan ibn Uyainah. These tombs make the mosque one of the most visited holy places in Istanbul after Eyüpsultan.
The tughra of Mahmud I, located above the entrance door of the mosque, is one of the oldest tughras seen on an inscription in Istanbul.
