Balaban Aga Mosque, Byzantine mosque in Fatih district, Istanbul, Turkey
Balaban Aga Mosque was a Byzantine building with a circular footprint measuring about 11 meters across. Inside, hexagonal niches lined the walls, creating a distinctive geometric design throughout the space.
The building was constructed in the 5th or 6th century as a Byzantine structure and was converted into a mosque by Balaban Aga in 1483. This transformation marked the shift from its original religious purpose to a new role under Ottoman rule.
The building changed from its original function to serve as a mausoleum during the Palaiologan period before becoming a Muslim place of worship.
The building no longer exists today, as it was demolished in 1930 to make way for Harikzedeler Street in the Laleli district. Visitors can only learn about the site's history through archaeological reports and historical records.
Archaeological excavations at the site revealed an underground ossuary, suggesting its earlier use for burials. These findings offer insights into how the location served different purposes across distinct historical periods.
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