Ottoman Masterpiece
An architectural journey through Istanbul's imperial past, exploring the history, design, and cultural significance of the Bayezid II Mosque.
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Historical Context
Imperial Commission
Commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II, this mosque represents a significant early imperial complex in Istanbul, erected following the city's conquest. Its preservation in a form close to its original state makes it a cornerstone of historical and architectural study.
Construction and Complex
Constructed between 1500 and 1505, the mosque was part of a larger religious and charitable complex (külliye). This included a theological college (medrese) completed in 1507, a hammam, an imaret (soup kitchen), a caravanserai, and several mausolea, including that of Sultan Bayezid II himself.
Architectural Attribution
While the chief architect is not definitively known, scholarly consensus points to Mimar Hayruddin (or Yakubshah ibn Islamshah), possibly a relative of the architect of the Fatih Mosque. The refined style suggests considerable experience with both Ottoman and earlier architectural traditions.
The Pigeon Mosque
In historical accounts from the 19th and early 20th centuries, the mosque was often referred to as the "Pigeon Mosque." This moniker arose due to the large congregations of pigeons that frequented the area, often fed by worshippers.
Architectural Design
Exterior Layout
The mosque is oriented northwest-southeast, featuring a courtyard of nearly equal size to the prayer hall. This courtyard is bordered by a colonnaded peristyle supported by twenty columns crafted from porphyry, verd antique, and granite, roofed by 24 small domes and paved with polychrome marble.
Structural Dimensions
The mosque itself is a square structure, measuring approximately 40 meters (130 feet) per side. Its central dome, with an inner diameter of about 16.78 meters (55.1 feet), is supported by two semi-domes along the main axis and two arches along the secondary axis. The construction utilizes cut stone, incorporating colored stones and marbles.
Interior Illumination
The interior design echoes the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia on a smaller scale. The central dome is supported by substantial piers, enhanced by smooth pendentives and intricate stalactite decorations. Abundant natural light enters through twenty windows at the dome's base, seven windows on each semi-dome, and additional windows in the walls.
Exterior Details
Courtyard and Colonnade
The expansive courtyard, nearly matching the mosque's footprint, is a serene space enclosed by a peristyle. This colonnade features twenty columns of varied, precious materials: two of porphyry, ten of verd antique, and six of pink granite. The courtyard is covered by 24 small domes, resting on a floor of polychrome marble.
Materials and Construction
The mosque is meticulously constructed from cut stone, showcasing a sophisticated use of colored stones and marbles. This choice of materials contributes significantly to its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, reflecting the high standards of Ottoman craftsmanship.
Entrance Portals
Monumental entrance portals provide access to the courtyard from three sides. These entrances are key architectural features, guiding visitors into the sacred space and hinting at the grandeur within.
Interior Splendor
Hagia Sophia Influence
The mosque's interior plan bears a striking resemblance to the Hagia Sophia, albeit on a more modest scale. The central dome, flanked by semi-domes and arches, creates a vast, unified prayer space, characteristic of classical Ottoman mosque architecture.
Light and Space
The interior is bathed in light, facilitated by numerous windows: twenty at the base of the main dome, seven on each semi-dome, and additional openings on the walls. This strategic illumination enhances the sense of spaciousness and spiritual ambiance.
Sultan's Loge and Byzantine Elements
A notable feature is the elevated sultan's loge, positioned to the right of the mihrab. It is supported by ten slender marble columns, which are believed to be reused elements from earlier Byzantine churches, adding a layer of historical continuity.
The Külliye: A Community Hub
Garden and Mausolea
Behind the mosque lies a tranquil garden containing the mausolea (türbes) of Sultan Bayezid II, his daughter Selçuk Hatun, and Grand Vizier Koca Mustafa Reşid Pasha, serving as final resting places and points of historical reverence.
Commercial and Educational Spaces
An arcade of shops (arasta), designed by Mimar Sinan in 1580, runs below the garden. The rents from these shops historically supported the mosque. The complex also included a medrese, now housing the Museum of Turkish Calligraphy Art, and a soup kitchen converted into the State Library of Istanbul.
The Bayezid II Hamam
The monumental Bayezid II Hamam, a significant part of the complex, was restored and reopened in 2015 as the Museum of Turkish Hamam Culture. Intriguingly, fragments of a lost Byzantine triumphal arch and traces of an ancient Byzantine church were discovered during its restoration.
Preservation and Restoration
Historical Damage
The mosque has endured significant historical challenges. Its dome required partial reconstruction after the 1509 Istanbul earthquake. The minarets suffered damage from fires in 1683 and 1754, and a lightning strike in 1743, necessitating repairs in subsequent years, including after the 1766 earthquake.
Modern Restoration Efforts
An extensive restoration project commenced in August 2012 and concluded eight years later in 2020. This meticulous process involved removing inappropriate materials from previous repairs and replacing damaged elements. The project, costing approximately 49 million Turkish Liras, successfully revitalized the mosque, allowing it to reopen for worship.
Related Topics
Islamic Architecture
Explore the broader context of Islamic architectural styles and principles that influenced the design and construction of the Bayezid II Mosque.
Turkish Heritage
The Bayezid II Mosque is a key monument within the rich tapestry of Turkish history and architecture. Its presence in Istanbul connects it to a broader network of significant religious and cultural sites across Turkey.
Notes
Architect Attribution Clarification
The identification of Mimar Hayruddin (or Yakubshah ibn Islamshah) as the primary architect is based on scholarly interpretation of Ottoman documents. While Hayruddin is mentioned, his role is considered less primary than Yakubshah's by some sources. Further scholarly consensus supports Hayruddin's involvement, citing his experience with earlier architectural techniques.
Citations
Source References
The information presented is drawn from established architectural histories and scholarly works on Ottoman architecture and Istanbul. Key sources include:
- Freely, John. Blue Guide Istanbul.
- İnalcık, Halil. Ottoman Diplomacy.
- Kuban, Doğan. Ottoman Architecture.
- Goodwin, Godfrey. A History of Ottoman Architecture.
- Van Millingen, Alexander. Byzantine Churches of Constantinople.
- Ochsenwald, William. The Middle East: A History.
- Dwight, Harrison Griswold. Constantinople: And Istanbul Old and New.
- Sherrill, Charles Hitchcock. A Year's Embassy to Mustafa Kemal.
- Vural Arslan, Tulin. "DEVELOPING A STRATEGIC APPROACH FOR MANAGING SUSTAINABLE REVITALISATION IN WORLD HERITAGE SITES: Historical Bazaar and Khans District, Bursa - Turkey". International Journal of Architectural Research: ArchNet-IJAR.
- Islam Ansiklopedisi entry on "Bayezid II Camii ve Külliyesi".
- Anadolu Agency report on the mosque's restoration.
- Yerasimos, Stéphane. Constantinople: Istanbul's Historical Heritage.
Further Reading
Related Resources
For additional context and visual resources, consult the following:
- Wikimedia Commons: Bayezid II Mosque Media (opens in new tab)
- Wikipedia: Ottoman architecture (opens in new tab)
- ArchNet: Bayezid II Complex (opens in new tab)
- Istanbul University: Bayezid II Turkish Bath (Hamam) Museum (opens in new tab)
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References
References
- Van Millingen, Alexander (1912). Byzantine Churches of Constantinople. London: MacMillan & Co., p. 276.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional architectural or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consultation with qualified historians, architects, or cultural heritage professionals. Always refer to primary sources and expert analyses for definitive information.
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