Ahi Çelebi Mosque, Ottoman congregational mosque in Eminonu district, Istanbul, Turkey.
Ahi Çelebi Mosque is an Ottoman house of prayer in Istanbul featuring a rectangular layout with a central dome supported by two arches. Six smaller domes cover the entrance porch and define the structure's visual character.
The prayer house was built between 1480 and 1500 as a waqf endowment by a high Ottoman official. Following fire damage in 1539, the renowned architect Sinan undertook reconstruction, with subsequent earthquakes prompting additional repairs.
The mosque connects to Evliya Çelebi, the famous 17th-century traveler who experienced a transformative vision within its walls. This association draws visitors interested in the stories of Ottoman exploration and spiritual journeys.
The mosque sits at the intersection of Yogurtçular Street and Degerimen Street in the city center. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and be mindful of prayer times, as the site serves as an active place of prayer daily.
The mosque bears the name of Ahi Çelebi, an Ottoman physician who served as the sultan's personal doctor and donated his wealth for its construction. His role reveals the close connection between medicine and piety in Ottoman society.
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