Koça Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Byzantine mosque in Fatih district, Turkey
The Koça Mustafa Pasha Mosque is a brick structure with a central dome that blends Byzantine and Ottoman design features. The building displays typical proportions with expansive interior spaces beneath the dome and smaller alcoves that serve different functions.
The building was originally constructed in the 9th century as a church dedicated to Saint Andrew of Crete. It was converted into a mosque between 1486 and 1491, marking one of the early Islamic transformations of religious sites in Istanbul.
The building shows how religious spaces in Istanbul were transformed and carries both early Christian and Islamic architectural elements within its structure. Visitors can still see traces of both faiths layered over each other in the walls and design.
The site sits in a densely built area with several entry points that are easily accessible. Visitors should keep in mind this is an active place of worship and should wear appropriate clothing and maintain respectful behavior.
The interior of the building conceals 15th-century frescoes depicting the Archangel Michael and Saints Cosmas and Damian beneath layers of later restoration work. These artworks serve as a reminder of the artistic output from the earlier period.
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