Ferruh Kethüda Camii, Ottoman mosque in Balat district, Istanbul, Turkey
Ferruh Kethüda Camii is an Ottoman mosque in the Balat district with a single minaret and richly decorated interior spaces. The building features special tiles from the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus that were incorporated into the mihrab during the early 18th century.
The mosque was constructed between 1562 and 1563 by Ferruh Aga, a senior official of Grand Vizier Semih Ali Pasha. The building underwent major renovation work in the middle of the 20th century and survived various structural changes across the centuries.
The mosque originally served as a meeting place for a dervish community and held an important role in the neighborhood's religious life. People came here not only to pray but also to gather and share spiritual moments.
The mosque is open daily for prayer services and visitors can view the interior, but appropriate clothing is recommended. Please wear shoes that are easy to remove, as they must be taken off when entering.
The upper section of the minaret shows signs of repairs from the late 18th century, likely due to a major earthquake. These changes remain visible today in the different construction style of the upper portion.
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