Eski Imaret Mosque, Byzantine mosque in Fatih district, Turkey
Eski Imaret Mosque is a Byzantine structure made of brick and stone in the Fatih district, built on a slope overlooking the Golden Horn. The building displays alternating layers of brick and stone in this characteristic Byzantine construction style.
The structure originated as a monastery in 1087, commissioned by Anna Dalassena, mother of Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. After 1453 and the conquest of Istanbul, the building was converted into a mosque.
The building transitioned through different religious purposes over time, moving from an Orthodox church to a Roman Catholic chapel before becoming an Islamic place of worship. The shifts between faith traditions remain visible in how the space is organized and decorated.
The building is undergoing renovation work and remains partially closed to visitors due to ongoing restoration efforts. It is wise to check current access conditions before visiting and plan flexible timing.
The building preserves a U-shaped gallery system above the narthex, which is rarely seen in Byzantine churches of this type. This architectural feature makes it an important example for understanding Byzantine church design from this period.
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