Pertev Paşa Mosque, Ottoman mosque in İzmit, Turkey.
Pertev Paşa Mosque is a prayer house with a central dome supported by four corner domes and flanked by two tall minarets at the front entrance. The interior is spacious, with a prayer hall where light enters from windows positioned beneath the dome.
Construction of this religious building was completed in 1579 under Sultan Selim II by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan. Its design represents the pinnacle of Ottoman architectural practice during the Classical period.
The interior walls display traditional Iznik tiles with geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy that reflect Ottoman artistic traditions. These handcrafted details show the skill that went into creating such religious spaces.
The prayer hall has separate sections for men and women, with washing facilities in the courtyard for ritual cleansing before prayer. Visitors should dress modestly and enter the space respectfully, especially during prayer times.
Windows positioned beneath the dome allow natural light to gently illuminate the prayer hall throughout the day. This thoughtful lighting design was an innovative solution by architects of the era to create a peaceful interior.
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