Мечеть Джерраха Мехмед-паши, Ottoman mosque in Fatih district, Istanbul, Turkey
The Cerrah Mehmed Pasha Mosque is a house of worship in Istanbul featuring a main dome resting on six red granite columns. Green and yellow tile work decorates the interior surfaces in an ordered pattern.
Construction took place from 1565 to 1572 under the architect Mimar Sinan's direction. This era marked a time of extensive building projects across the city during the reign of Sultan Suleiman.
The mosque served as a teaching hub where Islamic scholars gathered to study and share knowledge. Its design reflects how the space was meant to support both prayer and learning activities.
The structure sits in the Kadirga neighborhood and welcomes visitors to explore its courtyard and ablution fountain during daytime hours. Dress modestly and be aware that prayer times may limit access to certain areas.
The eastern wall of the prayer hall displays rare blue and white tiles made using the Cuerda seca technique, a specialized Ottoman method. These delicate details are easy to miss but show exceptional artisan skill.
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