Zeyrek Mosque, Byzantine mosque in Fatih, Turkey.
The Zeyrek Mosque comprises two former Byzantine churches and a chapel connected by cross-shaped domes and distinctive brick masonry throughout. The structure sits elevated above the surrounding neighborhood with views toward the Golden Horn.
The original complex was founded as a Byzantine monastery in the 12th century and expanded later that same period. Following the 1453 conquest, the ensemble was converted into a mosque and has served the Muslim faith since.
The building shows traces of its Byzantine monastic past while serving as a mosque today, with both Christian and Islamic elements visible to visitors inside.
Access is through Fazilet Street, which provides direct entry to the elevated location of the mosque. The hillside setting helps with orientation and nearby streets lead to other neighborhood sites.
Beneath the current carpet lies an original Byzantine marble floor with opus sectile patterns from earlier times. This rare example of Byzantine marble craftsmanship remains hidden from most visitors.
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