Manastır Mosque, Byzantine mosque in Fatih district, Istanbul, Turkey
The Manastır Mosque is a Byzantine building with three projecting apses on its eastern side and a rectangular layout. The interior features a narthex at the western end and includes a mihrab for Islamic prayer.
The building was originally built as an Orthodox church and converted into a mosque during Sultan Mehmed II's reign in the late 1400s. This transformation took place as Istanbul became a major Islamic center.
The building shows how Byzantine church design and Islamic prayer practices merged together during its conversion. Visitors can see this blend of both traditions in the way the space is organized and decorated.
The mosque is located near Turgut Özal Millet Caddesi, about 600 meters southeast of the Topkapi Gate. The T1 tram line provides easy access from various parts of the city.
Excavations in the 1960s revealed the foundations of the original structure, which had three naves and possibly a dome. These discoveries showed that the building was once surrounded by a covered colonnade.
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