Defterdar Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Eyüpsultan, Turkey
The Defterdar Mosque is an Ottoman-era religious building in Eyüpsultan featuring a single minaret and classical design hallmarks of that period. The structure displays intricate stone craftsmanship throughout its walls and surfaces, reflecting the building techniques of the time.
The building was constructed in 1542 under the direction of renowned architect Mimar Sinan, who designed it for a high-ranking finance official of the Ottoman state. This period marked a time of extensive mosque building throughout the Ottoman realm.
The mosque serves the local community as a gathering place for daily prayers and religious ceremonies, anchoring spiritual life in the Eyüpsultan neighborhood. Visitors can observe how the building shapes and structures the everyday religious practices of those who live nearby.
The mosque is accessible by public transportation and welcomes visitors outside of scheduled prayer times, with visitors expected to respect Islamic customs. Appropriate clothing and respectful behavior are important when entering the space.
The dome is topped with an ink pot and pen decoration instead of a traditional crescent moon, symbolizing the profession of the original patron. This detail distinguishes the building as a visual record of its founder's role in Ottoman administration.
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