Zeyrek Mosque, originally known as the Monastery of the Pantocrator, is a significant historical landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in the 12th century during the Byzantine era, it was one of the largest religious complexes in Constantinople, comprising a church, monastery, and hospital. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, it was converted into a mosque and renamed Zeyrek Mosque, after Molla Zeyrek, a scholar who taught there.
The mosque is renowned for its impressive Byzantine architecture, including its brick and stone construction, large central dome, and intricate mosaics, some of which still survive today. It’s located in the Zeyrek neighbourhood, which offers stunning views of the Golden Horn. The mosque has recently undergone extensive restoration to preserve its historical and architectural significance.
| Opened | 1136 |
| Architect | Unknown |
| Architectural Style | Byazatine |
| Material | Bricks |
| Address | Zeyrek, İbadethane Sk. No:2, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye |
| Opening hours | 24 hours |
| Phone number | +90 212 512 23 20 |
| Entrance fee | Free |
| Capacity | Not specified |
| Reviews | Positive |
Zeyrek mosque History:
The Zeyrek Mosque (Zeyrek Camii) in Istanbul is a significant historical structure with roots dating back to the Byzantine era. Originally constructed as the Monastery of the Pantokrator in the early 12th century, it was commissioned by Empress Irene of Hungary, the wife of Emperor John II Komnenos. The complex was one of the most important religious and social institutions in Constantinople, second only to the Hagia Sophia. It included a church dedicated to Christ Pantokrator, a library, a hospital, and an imperial mausoleum for the Komnenos family. Later, a second church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary Eleousa, was added, along with a chapel connecting the two main structures.
Architecturally, the Zeyrek Mosque represents a prime example of Middle Byzantine architecture. The structure features intricate brickwork patterns, large domes, and elegant mosaics, reflecting the sophisticated design typical of the period. Its layout, with multiple domes and vaulted ceilings, influenced subsequent Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. The interior, though altered over time, once showcased exquisite mosaics and frescoes, similar to those found in the Hagia Sophia and Chora Church.
Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the monastery was converted into a mosque and renamed Zeyrek Mosque in honour of Molla Zeyrek, a prominent scholar who taught there. During the Ottoman period, the mosque also served educational purposes, housing a madrasa. However, as time passed, the structure suffered from neglect and deterioration, especially during the late Ottoman and early Republican periods.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, extensive restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve the mosque’s historical and architectural integrity. Today, the Zeyrek kilise mosque is part of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, symbolizing the city’s rich, layered history. Visitors can now appreciate both its Byzantine roots and Ottoman influences, making it a testament to the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
When was the Zeyrek mosque built?
Zeyrek Mosque was originally built between 1118 and 1136 during the Byzantine Empire. It was constructed as part of the Monastery of the Pantocrator by Empress Irene of Hungary, the wife of Emperor John II Komnenos. The complex included two churches and a hospital. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque and named Zeyrek Mosque.
Zeyrek mosque arctitecture
The Zeyrek Mosque is a prime example of Middle Byzantine architecture, showcasing a blend of brick and stone construction with distinctive design elements that reflect both its original function as a monastery and its later adaptation as a mosque. Here are some key architectural features:
Structural Layout
- The mosque complex originally consisted of three main structures: two churches and a chapel. These were later combined during the Ottoman period to create the mosque we see today.
- The central church, dedicated to Christ Pantocrator, was the largest, flanked by a smaller church dedicated to the Theotokos Eleousa (Virgin of Mercy) and a chapel that served as an imperial mausoleum.
Domes and Vaults
- The central dome is a hallmark of Byzantine architecture, resting on four columns that create a cross-in-square plan, typical of the period.
- Smaller domes and barrel vaults are used throughout the complex, giving the interior a rhythmic flow of spaces and light.
Materials and Techniques
- The walls feature the classic Byzantine technique of alternating brick and stone layers, creating a striped pattern that is both decorative and structural.
- Recessed brickwork (where bricks are set back slightly from the stone layers) adds depth and texture to the facade.
Interior Design
- Though many of the original mosaics and frescoes were lost or covered during the Ottoman conversion, some fragments remain, hinting at the church’s former splendor.
- The interior spaces are designed to draw light from windows placed in the drums of the domes, creating a sense of ethereal illumination.
Ottoman Modifications
- After its conversion into a mosque, the Ottomans added typical Islamic architectural features, such as the mihrab (prayer niche), minbar (pulpit), and later, a minaret.
- While much of the original Christian iconography was covered or removed, the structure retained its Byzantine essence.
Restoration Efforts
- The mosque underwent significant restoration in the 20th and 21st centuries to preserve its unique combination of Byzantine and Ottoman elements. The restorations aimed to stabilize the structure while revealing some of the original Byzantine features.
Haunted molla zyerek mosque is a fascinating architectural palimpsest, reflecting centuries of religious, cultural, and artistic evolution.
Zeyrek mosque interior
The interior of Zeyrek Mosque reflects its Byzantine origins, with a large central dome supported by four columns, creating the classic cross-in-square plan typical of Middle Byzantine architecture. The space features smaller domes and barrel vaults, adding depth and dimension, while windows in the dome’s drum allow natural light to filter in, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Though much of the original mosaics and frescoes depicting Christian iconography were lost or covered after the Ottoman conquest, traces of these decorations remain. The alternating brick and stone construction seen on the exterior is also visible inside, lending a textured and earthy aesthetic.
When the complex was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, typical Islamic elements like the mihrab (prayer niche) and minbar (pulpit) were added. Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns replaced much of the Christian artwork, blending the two traditions in a unique architectural fusion. Recent restoration efforts have revealed portions of the original Byzantine decorations, offering visitors a glimpse into the site’s layered history. The mosque’s interior maintains a serene and somewhat austere ambience, contrasting with more ornate Ottoman mosques, while highlighting its rich cultural and religious heritage.
Zyerek mosque opening hours
Zeyrek Mosque in Istanbul is open to visitors daily. Visiting
hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There is no entrance fee, but donations are
welcome to support ongoing restoration and maintenance efforts.Please note that
visiting hours may vary during religious holidays or special events. It’s
advisable to check for any updates before your visit.
Zeyrek mosque tickets
The Zeyrek Mosque is an active place of worship, and like many mosques in Istanbul, there is no entrance fee for visitors. It is open to the public outside of prayer times, and tourists are welcome to explore the mosque respectfully.
Visiting Tips:
- Prayer Times: Non-Muslim visitors should avoid visiting during the five daily prayers, especially the Friday noon prayer (Jumu’ah), as the mosque will be busy.
- Dress Code: Modest attire is required. Women should cover their heads with a scarf, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
- Shoes: Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the mosque, so consider bringing a bag to carry them.
If you’re interested in a guided tour that includes Zeyrek Mosque as part of a historical itinerary, some tour companies may charge for their services, but access to the mosque itself remains free.
Zeyrek mosque plan
The plan of Molla Zeyrek mosque istanbul reflects its origins as a Byzantine monastic complex, originally consisting of two main churches and a chapel. The largest structure, the Church of Christ Pantocrator, forms the central part of the mosque, featuring a cross-in-square layout with a large central dome supported by four columns. To the south, it was connected to a smaller church dedicated to the Theotokos Eleousa (Virgin of Mercy), while a chapel, serving as an imperial mausoleum, was situated between the two. The complex is arranged in a linear configuration, with shared walls and interconnected spaces, creating a harmonious architectural flow. After the Ottoman conversion, the entire structure was unified into a single mosque, with Islamic elements like the mihrab and minbar added, but the original Byzantine layout remains largely intact, showcasing the blend of both architectural traditions.
How much is Zeyrek mosque
Zeyrek Mosque (Molla Zeyrek Mosque) is free to enter as it is an active place of worship. Like many other mosques in Istanbul, there is no admission fee for visitors. You are welcome to explore the mosque outside of prayer times, provided you follow appropriate etiquette, such as dressing modestly and removing your shoes before entering.
If you’re interested in a guided tour that includes Zeyrek Mosque as part of a historical itinerary, tour operators might charge a fee for their services, but access to the mosque itself remains free.
Zeyrek mosque restoration:
The Zeyrek Mosque has undergone extensive restoration efforts due to the wear and deterioration it experienced over the centuries. After the Ottoman conquest, while the building continued to function as a mosque and educational center, it gradually fell into disrepair, especially during the late Ottoman and early Republican periods.
In the 20th century, the mosque’s poor condition became a concern, prompting conservation efforts. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that more comprehensive restoration projects began. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, along with international organizations such as UNESCO, played a significant role in these efforts. The restoration focused on both structural stability and aesthetic preservation, including the repair of domes, walls, and intricate brickwork patterns characteristic of Byzantine architecture.
One of the key challenges was balancing the mosque’s Byzantine origins with its Ottoman modifications. Restorers worked to preserve elements from both periods, such as mosaics and frescoes from the Byzantine era, alongside Ottoman-era additions. Today, the Zeyrek Mosque stands as a beautifully restored site, reflecting its rich historical layers, and it continues to be a significant part of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Molla Zeyrek mosque reviews
Visitors to the Zeyrek Mosque often highlight its impressive Byzantine architecture and rich historical significance. As the second-largest religious edifice built by the Byzantines in Istanbul, after Hagia Sophia, it offers a unique glimpse into the city’s layered past. The mosque’s distinctive masonry, featuring the recessed brick technique typical of the Byzantine middle period, and its cross-in-square layout with central domes and polygonal apses, are particularly noted for their architectural value.
The surrounding Zeyrek neighbourhood adds to the experience, with its historical ambiance and views of the Golden Horn. The adjacent Zeyrekhane, a restored Ottoman mansion now serving as a restaurant and tea garden, provides a pleasant spot for relaxation after exploring the mosque.
Overall, visitors appreciate the mosque’s blend of historical architecture and its serene atmosphere, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
Summary
The Mosquee molla zeyrek stands as a remarkable symbol of Istanbul’s layered history, bridging the Byzantine and Ottoman eras through its architecture and cultural significance. From its origins as the Monastery of the Pantokrator to its transformation into a mosque, the structure reflects the city’s dynamic past and resilience. Thanks to modern restoration efforts, the mosque continues to serve as a place of worship and a historical monument, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural grandeur and historical depth of Constantinople. As part of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Zeyrek Mosque remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the empires that shaped the city.