VANİKÖY MOSQUE

Kandilli, Üsküdar - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°03'51.5"N 29°03'18.8"E / 41.064306, 29.055222



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Vaniköy Mosque is one of the few Bosporus mosques that has regular attendants who visit at times other than during Friday prayers. There has always been sycamore tree in its courtyard. The mosque, which gave its name to the neighborhood around it, is only unlocked at prayer times.

On the seafront next to the quay is the unassuming Vaniköy Mosque, built in 1665 by Vani Mehmet Efendi. Sultan Mahmut I (1730-1754) added a royal gallery to the rectangular mosque, which has masonry walls and a pitched roof. Now we come to Göksu, a favourite picnic and excursion place in the 19th century.

Vanî Mehmed Efendi (b.?- d.1685), who lived during the era of Ottoman empire Sultans called Mehmed IV and Sultan Ibrahim, is one of the distinguished scientists raised by the 17th Turkish period. After completing his education in Van he worked as a hodja and preacher in Erzurum, Istanbul and Bursa. Furthermore, he served as a sultan preacher and hace-i sultan in İstanbul.

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KAYMAK MUSTAFA PAŞA MOSQUE

Çengelköy, Üsküdar - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°03'25.2"N 29°03'11.1"E / 41.057011, 29.053081



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Located in Çengelköy, this mosque was constructed by Kaymak Mustafa Paşa, son-in-law to Nevşehirli Ibrahim Paşa, who served as the fleet admiral for the Ottoman Navy, during the Tulip Era in 1720. Kuleli Kaymak Mustafa Paşa mosque, on the Bosphorus Asia shore, Istanbul, Turkey built in 1720 and extended in the 1800s.early.

On the ground floor of this timber mosque is a boathouse. Another interesting feature is the stubby minaret with a balcony in the form of a pavilion. This rectangular stone mosque with a wooden roof was extensively restored in recent years. The portico and royal gallery were added in 1837. In 1980, the mosque was restored by the Sabancı Foundation.

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TEVFİKİYE MOSQUE

Arnavutköy, Beşiktaş, İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°04'03.9"N 29°02'42.0"E / 41.067754, 29.045011



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The mosque, that is on the  Arnavutköy-Bebek road and has a view of Akıntıburnu, was built in 1832 by Sultan Mahmut II with the barracks (police station now) near it. Next to the historic police station is Tevfikiye Mosque. Since the Bosphorus current is at its strongest here, the mosque is also known as Akıntı Bumu (Cape of the Current) Mosque.

It is built over a basement floor, with masonry walls and a wooden roof. There is a portico, royal gallery and horologe room. This small mosque has a rectangle plan and single minaret. It is interesting that this mosque was built while very few Muslims were living here. It is likely that, during the 1821 Mora Rebellion, because of the Arnavutköy’s connection with Russia, Eflak and Boğdan; Sultan has built a mosque.

The mosque’s mihrab has two side-on Ionic capitals, with their bodies bordered by fluted wall sections. Its minaret, from cut stone, has a single balcony, and the skirt of its cone has a garland ribbon going around it.

This mosque was built by Sultan Mahmud II and given the name of his son, Şehzade (Prince) Tevfik. Its construction was completed in 1838. The Istanbul Cultural Inventory classifies the Hünkar Pavilion of the Tevfikiye Mosque as b being in the "Civic Architectural Civil Structures" group.

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NUSRETİYE MOSQUE

Tophane, Beyoğlu - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'39.0"N 28°58'59.0"E / 41.027500, 28.983056



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Nusretiye Mosque is an ornate mosque located in Tophane district of Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey. While its architecture is influenced by Islamic elements, it retains a Baroque style, making it unique to the city. The Nusretiye Mosque was erected between 1823 and 1826 by Sultan Mahmud II (1784-1839) as part of a larger project to rebuild the Tophane artillery barracks that burnt in the Firuzağa fire.

It is located off the Western shore of the Bosphorus, below Tophane or the Canon Foundry established by Sultan Mehmed II (1432-1481) and was built on the former site of the Mosque of the Artillery Barracks (Tophane-i Amire Arabacılar Kışlası Camii) built by Sultan  Selim III (1789-1807).

In style, the mosque signifies a transition from Ottoman baroque to empire style. Its architect is Krikor Balyan (1764-1831), who is the first in nine architects belonging to the Armenian Balyan family who served the royal family throughout the nineteenth century. The mosque was named Nusretiye or Victory, in celebration of the sultan's recent abolition of the rebellious janissary troops in favor of a new western-style army - an event known in Ottoman history as Vaka-i Hayriye or the auspicious event.

When it was built, the Nusretiye mosque stood to the northeast of a rectangular parade ground facing the Bosphorus with the Meclis-i Mebusan or Parliament Street at its back. The artillery barracks, built by Sultan Mahmud II at the same time as the mosque, bound the southwest side of the parade ground. His successor, Sultan Abdülmecid I (1839-1861), added a clock tower (Tophane saat kulesi) at the center of the grounds and built the royal Tophane kiosk (Tophane Kasri) at the street end of the longitudinal axis.

In 1866, the neo-classical strip housing the offices of the marshals was built on the other side of Meclis-i Mebusan Street from the Tophane kiosk and the fenced parade ground, completing the monumental appearance of the military complex seen in older photographs. Only the mosque, the clock tower and the Tophane kiosk have survived the mid 1950s urban renewal and highway construction programs.

The parade ground was developed into a trade entrepôt with concrete warehouses extending into newly infilled grounds behind the mosque. The mosque stands today on Necati Bey Street, having lost its historical context and connection with the water. It was restored between 1955 and 1958, and again in 1980 and 1992.

The mosque stands raised on a tall basement, oriented along the northwest-southeast axis. It consists of a square prayer hall with narthex and mihrab apse, and a large sultan's kiosk, which wraps the west and north corners at the front, on either side of the tall portico. Side arcades made of five domed bays flank the prayer hall on the exterior. Although the mosque lacks a monumental courtyard, a prominent feature in classical Ottoman mosques, it has a small side courtyard that adjoins the prayer hall to the northeast.

The side arcade on this side is a few steps below the courtyard whereas to the southwest the arcade has two-stories and has a door at the lower colonnade that leads down to the basement level. The mosque portal is located at the center of the three-bay portico, a monumental baroque entrance with two staircases leading up to its terrace. The staircases are framed on either side by the projecting bays of the sultan's kiosk, which is raised to the height of the portico domes carried on arches and columns, forming open terraces below.

The residential-looking sultan's kiosk dominates the front façade of the mosque and zigzags around the corners where the minarets are attached to form wings projecting outwards into the parade ground and the side courtyard. It is entered primarily from a baroque portal adjoining the side arcade on the southwest façade; there are secondary entrances on either side of the portico.

Inside, the prayer hall is crowned with a single dome, raised on four grand arches that spring from the four corners. The narthex to the northwest has women's prayer section flanking the entrance and the muezzin's platform at the gallery level. The grand arch above the narthex is carried on two piers and three arches, the larger central arch mirrors the arch of the mihrab semi-dome across the hall.

Along the southwest wall, to the right, is the sultan's lodge - a balcony with gilt screens entered from the sultan's kiosk. Windows pierced into the tympana of the grand arches and twenty windows around the dome illuminate the interior from above. Of the two tiers of windows at the ground level, the lower casements are crowned with baroque vases carved in the marble tympana of the window arches.

All of the upper windows have faux frames painted in the baroque style. The mihrab and minbar are carved of white marble and decorated with flowers and gilt garlands. Perhaps the most important decorative element on the interior is a calligraphic band inscribed with the Koranic sura of The Event or Al-Naba, which travels the interior located above the casement windows. It is written in gold celi style letters over a dark background by the famous calligrapher Mustafa Rakım (1757-1826).

There is obtrusive structure on both sides of the entrance of the mosque called the Hünkar Kasrı (royal residence). It is situated on marble columns with a round arch. It also has an entrance from its rooms to the last prayer section of the mosque and to the outer side porch. The Sultan's entrance is located on the southern facade with a view of the sea. Crowning the aesthetics of the building are the walls of the royal residence which are decorated with a colourful plant motif  as well as with calligraphy on its arched-door.

One enters into the harim (sanctum sanctorum) of the Nusretiye Mosque through a palatial baroque style door measuring 4 x 2.10 m. The harim is built on a square plan measuring 7.50 x 7.50 m and has a ceiling of 33 m covered with a pendant dome. There are windows decorated with calligraphy built into the tympana of the grand arches as well as twenty windows around the dome which illuminate the interior from above. The niche of the mihrab is plain when compared to the other elements of the mosque.

There are two windows on both sides of the niche of the mihrab, and the mihrab is covered with a half dome which, when viewed from the inside of the mosque, appears as a circle. Additionally, the Nusretiye Mosque showcases the last example of classical Ottoman window arrangement and architecture with its facade including four levels of window rows and marble wall panels ascending to the same level as the window gaps of the second row.

The mosque has two minarets located at the west and east corners. Raised on tall square foundations, the fluted minaret shafts have bulbous bases and double balconies with wavy balustrades. In order to create a view for passing ships to read the string of lights with devotional messages (mahya) hung between the two minarets without being obstructed by the dome, the minarets were taken down and rebuilt taller in 1826.

The Nusretiye Mosque, both with the site on which it was built and its architectural details, showcases an example of mosque architecture definitely worth seeing. To the northeast, the entrance to the small side courtyard is flanked by twin structures of the sabil (sebil), on the right, and the room of the timekeeper (muvakkithane), on the left.

The superstructure, including the dome, is marked with exuberant architectural decorations. Curved pilasters with finials alternate with the dome windows and large bulbous weight turrets with pointed domes that are placed at the springing of the grand arches, which are bordered with lace-like cornices. The mosque is constructed primarily of cut stone.

Positioned originally across the street, they were moved adjacent to the mosque during the rule of Sultan Abdülaziz I (1861-1879). They are round with arched grille windows facing the street and are crowned by conical domes with wavy eaves mirrored by wavy marble cornices with inscriptive plaques. A fountain kiosk erected beside the mosque by Sultan Abdülhamid II in 1901 has been moved to Maçka neighborhood as part of the urban renewal program.

The mosque was broadly restored between the years of 1955 and 1958,  and partially again between 1980 and 1992.

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MOLLA ÇELEBİ (FINDIKLI) MOSQUE

Fındıklı, Beyoğlu - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'56.3"N 28°59'26.1"E / 41.032306, 28.990583



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Kazasker Mehmed Vusuli Efendi, the Chief Judge of Istanbul, ordered its construction by Architect Sinan on Meclisi Mebusan Street, in the Fındıklı district of Beyoğlu county. It is said that it was built between 1561 - 1562. However, the precise date of the mosque’s construction is unknown, it is held that the mosque was established between the above mentioned dates.

The mosque is located in Istanbul in the Fındıklı district of Beyoğlu county in the Meclisi Mebusan Street, on the lower shores of the European Bosphorus, at Fındıklı. The Molla Çelebi mosque, also known as Fındıklı Camii, as viewed from the waterside, near the Kabataş funicular and ferry stations, looks very elegant and impressive, particularly under the reflection of the evening sun over the Bosphorus Straits.

Over centuries, it was damaged by a number of fires, natural disasters, and the 1950’s road construction campaigns. In spite of everything, the building still displays the details of the architecture of Sinan’s period. The portico was damaged and replaced with a wooden porch structure in the 18th century.

During the 1957 restoration, following the road construction, this section was replaced with a five-dome wooden structure portico, based on its 16th century original form. The Molla Çelebi Bath House was destroyed during the same year in 1957. The minaret, which was damaged during the 1999 earthquake, has since been rebuilt.

When it was brought together with the Sıbyan mektebi (Ottoman elementary-primary school) and bath, which have not reached our time, the Molla Çelebi Mosque, said to have been designed as a small complex, is a hexagonal mosque designed by the architect Sinan.

In addition, ten windows, which were placed on the lower part of  the dome, and window gaps, placed in two vertical ranks on the wall window’s sides made of limestone (küfeki taşı) blocks, illuminate the mosque.

The minbar (pulpit) is decorated with polychrome wall paintings (kalem işi) and the decorative mihrab (niche) is in the same style of the Classical Architectural tradition which is visible throughout the structure. Furthermore, the thin minaret with its single sherefe (minaret balcony) rises from the right corner of the arcaded entrance which is covered by four domes overlooking the street.

The mosque was initially built as a small complex, with a hexagonal plan designed by the architect Mimar Sinan. Principally, the mosque was built in two sections, the central prayer hall of size of 18.90 x 16.40 m, and the mihrab yeri (chancel) of size of 8.80 x 4.60 m. The pillars are built into the walls and between the pillars there are four small semicircular domes in the east-west direction and the central dome, which is the central prayer section.

This section is also covered by semicircular dome of 11.8 m diameter and covered with six arches built between the six embedded columns; the rectangular apse in which the mihrab is built projects out. In addition there are ten windows, placed above the lower part of the dome. The window gaps, placed in two vertical. The wall window’s sides made of limestone (küfeki taşı) blocks, illuminate the mosque.

The mosque structure is built entirely in the Classical Ottoman Architectural tradition. The minbar or the pulpit in the mosque, is a unique special feature from where the imam addresses prayer meetings, which is embellished with kalem işi, polychrome wall paintings. The mihrab (niche) is also embellished in the same style as the minbar. There is a slim minaret built at the arcaded entrance, which has four domes.

The mosque facing the street, has the minaret to its the right corner. The minaret has a sherefe (minaret balcony). The extensions on the sides are covered by semi domes as it provides better continuity for both the cover system and the interior. the mihrab is for the first time is located in an apse that projects from the middle portion of the qibla wall. This interior layout design compensates for the lack of depth on the north-south axis.

Over centuries, it was damaged by a number of fires, natural disasters, and the 1950’s road construction campaigns. In spite of everything, the building still displays the details of the architecture of Sinan’s period. The portico was damaged and replaced with a wooden porch structure in the 18th century. During the 1957 restoration, following the road construction, this section was replaced with a five-dome wooden structure portico, based on its 16th century original form.

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ŞEMSİ AHMED PASHA COMPLEX

Şemsipaşa, Üsküdar - Istanbul - Turkey 

GPS : 41°01'33.0"N 29°00'41.0"E / 41.025833, 29.011389



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This mosque was designed by Mimar Sinan at the request of Şemsi Paşa, the vizier of Ottoman Sultan Süleyman (1520-1566) the Magnificient in 1580. Renowned as "the little gem" of Sinan, it is also called the Kuşkonmaz Camii, the mosque on which birds do not land (birds do not land there because of the wind off the Bosphorus). It is said that on the top of the dome, instead of the usual symbol (tombak alem) there used to be a golden inkstand and pen. The inside is covered with Ottoman glazed tiles and ornaments. There is an epitaph, written by Levni.

The chamber is crowned by a mirror vault at the height of the prayer hall drum. It has three casement windows facing the Bosphorus and nine upper windows on three walls, adorned with coloured glass. Surrounding the Mosque is a larger complex, situated on the coast of Üsküdar, also built by court architect Sinan near the Şemsi Pasha Palace and, according to the inscription over the mosque portal, construction was completed in 1580. In 1940, an extensive restoration project was undertaken by the General Directorate of Religious Endowments, supervised by architect Süreyya Yücel.

This is the only complex in Istanbul that still enjoys the cool effect of the waves by the seaside. The mosque, which fronts one of the most curvilinear edges of the Bosphorous. It is now difficult to visualize how the original interior space of the mosque was, due to some later changes and additions, such as an added attendant's room and a women's section. Overall, the mosque and the gardens are well kept. A walled cemetery occupies the eastern precinct, behind the mosque's qibla wall.

The complex stands on a roughly rectangular site aligned east-west with the Bosphorus shoreline. The square, single domed mosque abuts the coast at an angle, with the adjoining tomb of the donor projecting towards the waterfront. Its precinct is enclosed by an L-shaped madrasa to the west and south, and a seawall with grill-windows to the north, giving the impression that one is in a picture gallery looking at framed Bosphorus seascapes.

The complex has two gates, one facing the land and the other facing the sea; the land gate opens to a private walled cemetery which occupies the eastern precinct, behind the mosque's qibla wall, which has become a burial site for generations of Şemsi Pasha. A gate along the seawall opens into the precinct courtyard, which is shared by the mosque and the madrasa. A secondary gate along the cemetery wall to the east also leads to this courtyard via a narrow passage.

The mosque portico, which envelops the prayer hall to the northwest and southwest, is faced across the courtyard with the madrasa arcade, at a smaller scale. Both the portico and arcade are covered by shed roofs and have pointed arches carried on columns with diamond-cut capitals. The mosque portico was rebuilt during the 1940 restoration. A single minaret with a single balcony rises above it, adjoining the southwest corner of the prayer hall.

Entered through a marble portal on its northwest wall, the prayer hall is surmounted by a single dome, which measures about eight meters in diameter. The transition to the dome is achieved with four squinches over an octagonal drum pierced with four arched windows. The prayer hall has nine casement windows - two on each wall with an additional window on the southeast wall.

Each casement is topped by an arched window with a different colored glass composition, and a circular window is placed above the mihrab. The simple marble mihrab has a muqarnas hood. Muqarnas carvings were also used to highlight the springing of the squinch arches. The wooden minbar is a modern replacement.

Tomb
The tomb chamber, which measures about four meters by four and a half meters, is attached to the prayer hall. It is entered from the outside from northwest, but opens into the prayer hall with a grilled archway. The chamber is crowned by a mirror vault at the height of the prayer hall drum. It has three casement windows facing the Bosporus and nine upper windows on three walls, adorned with colored glass. Decoration is limited to the stalactite carvings of the portal and painted floral and geometrical motifs on the mirror vault. Although its portal inscription was lost, inscriptive plaques over the archway in the prayer hall were preserved. The tomb, like the mosque, is made of cut stone.

Madrasa
The L-shaped madrasa has twelve domed cells and a large classroom, all fronted by an arcade whose shed roof is carried by nineteen columns. Cells are placed all in a row except at the northern end, where a single cell encloses the arcade before the seawall. The classroom, which is seven meters square, occupies the center of the western wing of and projects beyond the madrasa wall. It is surmounted by a dome carried on squinches and raised on an octagonal drum.

There are six windows on three of the classroom's walls, leaving the western wall for a furnace and two shelving niches. Each madrasa cell has two windows, a furnace and one or two shelving niches. The arcade was enlarged following the restoration and the madrasa was refurnished to house a library in 1953 with the classroom use as the reading room. An additional room with privy cells is attached at the end of the southern wing.

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RUMİ MEHMET PASHA MOSQUE

Üsküdar - Istanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'28.7"N 29°00'39.1"E / 41.024639, 29.010861



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The Rumi Mehmed Pasha Mosque is an old Ottoman mosque located in a large and densely populated district of Üsküdar, in Istanbul. It was built for the Grand Vizier Rum Mehmed Pasha, who was of Greek origin. The mosque combines architectural elements of Ottoman and Byzantine styles. Rumi Mehmed Pasha Mosque is located close to the Bosphorus waterfront. One of the oldest Ottoman works in Üsküdar dating back to 1466 and 1471. It was restored in 1953.

This was built on the orders of Mehmed Paşa, who was of Greek origin, the vizier of Sultan Mehmed II, Fatih the Conqueror, in 1471. It is said that there used to be a Byzantine temple here. This was the first large mosque built by the Turks in Üsküdar. There are two rooms on each sides of its winged hall. The great Sufi Aziz, Mahmud Hüdayi, stayed in one of these rooms with his wife for a period.

Rumi Mehmed Pasha became the grand vizier (Veziriazam) of Sultan Mehmed II in 1466 and held this position until 1469 when he was executed and replaced by the former grand vizier, Mahmud Pasha. His mosque is located on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus on the Anatolian side, in the district of Üsküdar. The inscriptive plaque of the mosque, composed in Arabic, dates the building to 876 (1471).

Adjoining buildings, a madrasa, baths (hamam) and a soup kitchen (imaret) were also built in the 15th century. The madrasa is no longer extant while some walls from the baths and the soup kitchen remain. The mosque quarter is still named after the grand vizier. The side hospice (tabhane) rooms, equipped with a fireplace and shelving niches, open directly into the central hall and into each other. During the restoration, plaster was removed from the walls to reveal period decoration. The madrasa is no longer extant while some walls from the baths and the soup kitchen remain. The mosque quarter is still named after the grand vizier.

The mosque is composed of a five bay porch leading into a square central hall that is extended to the south by half a bay and four rooms flanking the central hall to the east and west. The porch is covered by domes that were rebuilt during the 1953 restoration. Its marble columns are crowned by capitals that are oval in section. Passing through the muqarnas portal, two steps lead into the domed central hall.

The semi-dome at Rumi Mehmed Paşa is carried on stalactite squinches that droop down to the corners of the walls, in tune with the six rows of stalactites crowning the mihrab. The women's prayer space, found on either side of the door upon entering, is doubled in area with wooden platforms that cross the entry with a narrow balcony. The side hospice (tabhane) rooms, equipped with a fireplace and shelving niches, open directly into the central hall and into each other. During the restoration, plaster was removed from the walls to reveal period decoration.

The dome measuring 11.15 m in diameter is carried on pendentives covers the mosque's central space. The picking, round shaped column headings, which were used in the construction of last congregation gathering place, and windows extended to the dome contrary to Turkish architecture are rather interesting. The restoration of the mosque, whose end congregation portico collapsed in 1950, was started in 1953 and finished along with the domes in 1959.

To the south, the mihrab is placed in a rectangular extension of the central hall raised by a step and covered by a semi-dome. The semi-dome at Rumi Mehmed Paşa is carried on stalactite squinches that droop down to the corners of the walls, in tune with the six rows of stalactites crowning the mihrab. The women's prayer space, found on either side of the door upon entering, is doubled in area with wooden platforms that cross the entry with a narrow balcony.

While the plan, the interior decoration, and to some extent the portico, are Ottoman in style, the mosque's exterior appearance is expressively Byzantine. Where most Ottoman mosques have used polygonal drums, the dome of Rumi Mehmed Paşa Mosque sits on a circular drum, a common feature in Byzantine churches. Placed on a square base, its load is carried on arches on three sides and a semi-dome on the forth. These thick brick arches, complete with clerestory windows, culminate above the emergent roof creating a wavy effect along the cornice line.

The arched frames of the drum windows, similarly, are extended beyond the skirts of the dome. These unusual domes are covered with lead in a manner typical of Ottoman mosques. The construction of the mosque is cut stone, with rows of brick introduced the base and drum of the dome. There is a single minaret on the northwest corner; stairs leading to its single balcony are accessed from outside the mosque.

In the mosque there are two works by the famous calligraphers, Hattat Arif and Mehmed Sami. Tombstones, including that of Rumi Mehmed Paşa, can be found to the left of the courtyard. The medresse is in ruins. The street where the mosque is located has one of the most beautiful street names of Istanbul: Eşref Saati (Lucky Moment).

Near to the mosque, the Tarihî Şifa Hamamı (Historical Medical Baths) was built to create an income for the mosque. It is the oldest baths in Üskudar and is still operational. Across from the men's section there is a fountain that was built in 1729 and is named in honor of the vizier, Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Paşa, who was violently killed in the Patrona Halil Uprising. Across from the women's section is the mosque of Hüsrev Ağa, built in memory of the head footman of the palace in 1520.

The mosque is thought to have been built by a Greek master since its general appearance resembles a church. The bath nearby the mosque is considered as the oldest bath in Üsküdar. The bath, whose operating right was transferred to a person in 1860, was restored in 1885. The madrasah of the complex was removed. The mosque combines architectural elements of Ottoman and Byzantine styles.

While the plan, the interior decoration, and to some extent the portico, are Ottoman in style, the mosque's exterior appearance is expressively Byzantine. Where most Ottoman mosques have used polygonal drums, the dome of Rumi Mehmed Paşa Mosque sits on a circular drum, a common feature in Byzantine churches.

Placed on a square base, its load is carried on arches on three sides and a semi-dome on the forth. These thick brick arches, complete with clerestory windows, culminate above the emergent roof creating a wavy effect along the cornice line. The arched frames of the drum windows, similarly, are extended beyond the skirts of the dome.

These unusual domes are covered with lead in a manner typical of Ottoman mosques. The construction of the mosque is cut stone, with rows of brick introduced the base and drum of the dome. There is a single minaret on the northwest corner; stairs leading to its single balcony are accessed from outside the mosque. In the mosque there are two works by the famous calligraphers, Hattat Arif and Mehmed Sami.

Tomb
Rumi Mehmed Paşa was executed before the completion of his mosque and is buried in a separate tomb outside the western corner of the qibla wall. The tomb is an octagonal building made of ashlar stone and crowned by a dome without windows. The interior, with the single sarcophagus of the grand vizier, is lit by an upper and lower window on each side.

The tomb is an octagonal building made of ashlar stone and crowned by a dome without windows. The interior, with the single sarcophagus of the grand vizier, is lit by an upper and lower window on each side. His relatives are buried in the enclosed cemetery behind the mosque. Kufeki stone tomb of Mehmet Pasha is behind the mosque. Tombstones, including that of Rumi Mehmed Paşa, can be found to the left of the courtyard.

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BEBEK MOSQUE

Bebek, Beşiktaş - Istanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°04'37.0"N 29°02'39.0"E / 41.076944, 29.044167



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The Bebek Mosque was built in 1913 by the Ministry of Waqfs to replace an older mosque that was built by Nevşehirli Damat Ibrahim Paşa, the grandvizier of Sultan Ahmed III. Completed in 1725-26, the old mosque stood adjoining the coastal palace of Hümayunabad and had a royal lodge for the Sultan. The palace was torn down in 1846, and the current mosque stands next to a public park, and a small ferry station, that occupy the palatial site today.

Bebek Mosque, whose original name was Hümayun-u Abad. The mosque which was neglected following years was rebuilt using Hereke stone under the supervision of the Architect Kemaleddin Bey circa 1912. The calligraphy masters of the mosque were Ismail Hakkı Bey and Mecit Bey. Square planned, single-domed, the mosque was lighted by sixteen windows.

The Bebek Mosque is located on the banks of the Bosphorus in the historic Bebek quarter. Formerly a Byzantine village, the quarter gets its Turkish name from Bebek Çelebi, the head of the infantry regiment that was stationed there in the months leading up to the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. A preferred location for the construction of royal kiosks and gardens in the 16th century,

Bebek was filled with coastal palaces and summer mansions of the aristocracy in the 18th century. The institution of ferry service between the historic core and Bebek in mid 19th century transformed from a seasonal residence into a permanent community of well-to-do Istanbul residents.

Unlike the old mosque, which was built on the second floor of a primary school, the new mosque consists only of a prayer hall. Designed by Architect Kemalettin Bey, who was then the head architect at the Ministry, the mosque is an example of the First Nationalist Period in Turkish Architecture, spearheaded by Kemaleddin and Vedat (Tek) Beys.

The style, formulated by the First Turkish graduates of the School of Fine Arts in Istanbul in the early 20th century, draws upon the formal and decorative vocabulary of early Ottoman works in Bursa, which were analyzed in detail for the publication of a pioneering volume on Ottoman Architecture to be presented in the Vienna Exposition of 1873.

The mosque is built entirely of cut stone and consists of a domed prayer hall and a three-bay portico to the northwest. An inscriptive plaque in gold letters crowns the portico entrance. Upon entering, side bays of the portico have raised floors outlined with marble balustrades. A set of stairs on the left side lead up to a wooden balcony used only by women.

The portico was encased in 1991 to allow for use during winter. Inside, the prayer hall is square in plan and is covered with a single dome raised on a tall circular drum. The dome is carried on eight pointed arches that rest on eight octagonal piers embedded halfway into the walls. Joined together to form an octagonal belt, the arches allow the transition from the circular drum to the square base, and exedras roofed with semi-domes complete the four corners of the square.

The mihrab is set in a stalactite niche encased in a tall, carved frame, in axis with the entrance, and a wooden minbar stands to its right. Well-lit through windows at the ground, clerestory and dome level, the interior of the mosque is painted with traditional tile motifs in pale shades of red and blue. The simplicity of structure in this small, well-proportioned mosque is enhanced with subtle details on the exterior that animate its otherwise plain appearance.

The eight piers supporting the dome are extended on the exterior as mini turrets flanking the circular drum. Pilasters separating the windows on the drum reveal neo-classical influences. The cornice line is stepped at the base of each turret; the semi-domes of the exedras complete the roof composition at the four corners. A single minaret, with a tall square base and multi-faceted shaft, adjoins the western corner of the mosque.

The mosque is built of cut stone. It consists of a domed prayer hall and a three-bay portico to the northwest, the entrance of which has a plaque with gold letters inscribed on it. Side bays of the portico have raised floors that are outlined with marble balustrades. On the left side of the portico, there are stairs leading up to a wooden balcony which is used only by women. The prayer hall has a square plan that is roofed with a large single dome standing on a circular drum.

Eight arches, joined together to form an octagonal belt, carry the dome and are supported by eight octagonal piers. On the four corners of the square, there are exedras covered with semi-domes. The mihrab has a stalactite niche encased in a carved frame. The wooden structure (minbar) is on the right of the mihrab. The windows in the clerestory and dome allow adequate light to enter and light the interior of the mosque that is painted with traditional tile motifs in pale shades of red and blue .

On the exterior of the mosque, mini turrets appear around the circular drum, which are actually extensions of the interior eight piers supporting the dome . These mini turrets have a stepped cornice line at their base. The windows on the drum are separated by pilasters which have rather a neo-classical influence. There are semi-domes above the exedras on the four corners of the square roof  On the western corner of the mosque rises a single minaret standing on a tall square base and has a multi-faceted shaft .

The outside of the mosque is quite plain, ornamented only by small palmettes and rosettes. The inside of the dome over the central prayer area, the exedra and the window surrounds are ornamented with hand drawn rumi motifs. The mihrab takes the form of an outwardly projecting niche and is classical in shape on the interior. The wooden minber (pulpit) and dais are carved with openwork patterns.

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ORTAKÖY MOSQUE

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - Istanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'50.3"N 29°01'36.7"E / 41.047306, 29.026861



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The Ortaköy Mosque (Büyük Mecidiye Camii) is situated on the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square in the Beşiktaş District, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus. The mosque was built on the order of Sultan Abdülmecid I (1839-1861), the ruler of the Ottoman Empire, and was constructed by the Nigoğos Balyan in 1853. Ortaköy Mosque, officially the Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Grand Imperial Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid) in Beşiktaş, Istanbul.

It was during the same century that the mosque rose to a higher level of importance on the European side of Istanbul. It is also known as “Great Mecidiye Mosque” and is one of the most beautiful samples of the Baroque architecture in Istanbul. Previously, there was a little mosque built by Mahmut Ağa, the son-in law of the Vizier Ibrahim Paşa, on the former site of the mosque. The little mosque built in 1721 but was destroyed during the revolt of Patrona Halil in 1730.

The current mosque, which was erected in its place, was greatly damaged during the earthquake of 1894, and the spire of the minaret needed to be rearranged. When it was understood that the building was in danger of collapsing in 1960, ground reinforcement efforts were carried out. After the conflagration in 1984, it was completely restored and reattained its previous magnificence.

Designed in a neo- Baroque style, its wide, high windows let the ever-changing light reflections of the Bosphorus shine in the mosque. It is composed of a Harim (sanctum sanctorum) and a Hünkar Kasrı (sultan’s summer palace). The Harim section is composed of a square-shaped main chamber with an edge length of 12.25 m, and the middle chamber which passses through the main chamber. The ceiling of the Harim section consists of a dome construction covered with pink mosaics and the dome was placed on the main wall.

The stair cased building has two minarets with single balcony each. The walls are made of white hewn stone. The walls of the single dome are made of pink mosaics. The mihrab again is made of mosaics and marble and the mimbar is made of porphyry coated marble, all products of an elegant workmanship.  Designed in a neo- Baroque style, its wide, high windows let the ever-changing light reflections of the Bosphorus shine in the mosque.

Within the mosque hang several examples of Islamic calligraphy executed by Sultan Abdülmecid I himself, who was also a hattat (master calligrapher.) The wide, high windows let the ever-changing light reflections of the Bosphorus shine in the mosque. There are two minarets and when entered the mosque Allah, Muhammad and the four caliphs’ names in calligraphy draw the attraction, they were written by Sultan Abdülmecid I.

Ortaköy Mosque, which is composed of parts of prayer hall and the sultan, was built to reflect the lights of Bosporus inside with its wide and high windows. The walls of mosque were made of white hewn stones and the walls of dome were made of pink mosaics, all of them are hand works. The mosque has a whiter appearance thanks to water conditions and the blue waters of Bosporus.

The mosque has two minarets with a single sherefe (minaret balcony) each, the niche is made of mosaic and white marble, and the pulpit is a marble craftsmanship covered with porphyry. The two-storey house, with its elliptical stairs at the northern entrance, is called Hünkar Kasrı. The Ortakoy Mosque, built in the 19th century, has reached our times as the main component onlooking the Bosphorus.

The foundation of mosque was damaged by the flows of Bosporus and restored with extensive work. After a fire in 1984, the mosque was damaged and restored again then it gained current appearance.

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FERİYE PALACES - 2

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'41.8"N 29°01'07.3"E / 41.044944, 29.018694



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In 1927, the Maritime College (Turkish: Denizcilik Yüksek Okulu) settled in some buildings of Feriye Palace. In the 1928-29 academic term, Kabataş High School also moved into some buildings of the palace complex. Part of the palace hosted the girls' section of Galatasaray High School when in 1967 the institution started mixed-gender education. Part of the complex in northeastern remained years long neglected.

The Maritime College was transformed into Istanbul Technical University's School of Maritime in 1981, and moved to Tuzla, Istanbul. The buildings became temporarily vacant, were then assigned to Ziya Kalkavan Maritime Vocational High School in 1982.

Çırağan Palace is accepted as the last example of Ottoman Empire’s glory. Sultan Abdülaziz ascended to the throne in 1861 and the palace was constructed between the years of 1861 and 1872. The palace is actually a complex alongside of Bosphorus up to 1.5 km.

There are two Feriye (secondary) palaces next to the main palace. These secondary palaces are still being used. The secondary palaces that are located in Ortaköy are used as Ziya Kalkavan Maritime Vocational High School, Galatasaray University and Kabataş High School.

ZİYA KALKAVAN MARITIME VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Since 2007, the school has been offering free, four-month-long maritime classes to people interested in captaining small sailboats, a liberating pursuit that has generally been beyond the means of the masses. Students learn crucial information covering both practical and theoretical aspects of sailing, including how to navigate and operate motors, as well as the details of national and international laws governing the vessels’ operation.

The classes are open to everyone with a high school diploma and an interest in sailing, adding that the program is offered several times a year and draws great interest from people of various backgrounds, ages, and occupations.

At the end of the course, students take an exam administered by the Amateur Maritime Federation. Those who pass receive a license to operate 14 to 16-meter-long sailboats within Turkish territorial waters. Though non-Turkish citizens can enroll in the classes, they are not eligible to take the exam to receive a sailboat license, the school’s director added.

Over the last three years, the maritime school has offered more than 200 classes under the auspices of the Provincial Special Administrative Vocational and Technical Education Classes, or ÖZİMEK, project, which was launched by the Istanbul Provincial Special Administration, or İPSA. The project aims to provide free training to Istanbul residents in various fields, including mechatronics, furniture design and production, restoration, elevator repair and even tomb making.

“There are currently courses in 158 branches offered at 79 schools in Istanbul,” the secretary-general said, adding that the numbers change according to the seasonal demands of students. Classes are held in public school buildings in the evenings or on weekends so that people with jobs can also participate. One course can last between 240 and 400 hours, depending on its level of difficulty.

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WEB SITE : Ziya Kalkavan Maritime Vocational High School

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info@zkadml.org.tr
Phone : +90 216 261 6303
Fax : +90 216 260 6705

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FERİYE PALACES - 1

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'47.7"N 29°01'19.8"E / 41.046583, 29.022167



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Kabataş Erkek Lisesi or Kabataş High School (Ottoman Turkish: Kabataş Mekteb-i İdâdisi) is one of the oldest and the most prominent high schools in Turkey. It is located in Ortaköy at Bosphorus in Istanbul. Kabataş Mekteb-i İdadisi had served to raise qualified leaders for the Ottoman Empire for 15 years.

Established in 1908 by the Ottoman Empire Sultan Abdülhamid II, the high school educated new generations for the Ottoman Empire. During the Balkan Wars, Kabataş sent numerous students to the battlefront. In early years, only boys were educated at the high school.

After Turkey became a republic in 1923, the institution became a standart high school with its new name: Kabataş Erkek Lisesi. Owing to the inadequecy of the building used by the school, Kabataş Erkek Lisesi had to move to the nearby Feriye Palaces, where the relatives of Sultans - the royal families - had previously been accomodated. Feriye Palaces are known for not only their fascinating view of the Bosphorus but also an unfortunate event, the imprisonment and alleged murder of Sultan Abdülaziz II, which took place in the buildings.

Since we referred to royalty, we would also state that our school is literally set on royalty. Being part of the “Feriye Palaces” complex where relatives of Ottoman Dynasty used to accomodate, presently split up between different institutions like Galatasaray University beside us, our school literally is a palace by Bosporus.

KABATAŞ HIGH SCHOOL

Later in the first half of the 20th century, the Dormitory and the Dining Hall were added to the buildings of Kabataş Erkek Lisesi as well as the building that contained the Conference Hall and the laboratories.

With the admission of female students at the high school in 1994 and the establishment of English preparatory classes in 1997, this very school has confirmed its prominent place in field of education of the country. Due to the quality of education it has provided and the success it has proven, Kabataş Erkek Lisesi was promoted to an Anatolian High School in 1998. In 2006, the duration of education in the high school was increased to 5 years.

Its long-standing and prestigious past would be on the lead, as much as being open to innovations in all areas and possesing a topline student profile. Established in 1908, being older than the Republic Of Turkey, Kabataş Erkek Lisesi has always been known for its alumnis and teachers being useful for the country and the planet, its traditions which are definitely well-preserved by its students and of course for its Bosporus-overlooking location which makes secondary school students dream themselves.

As it graduated that much significant people, our school has also witnessed numerous events of importance. 2008 was a year full of ceremonies and festivities as our school became centanarian. Suiting our honourary title “royal”, Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom paid a visit with her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh during their Turkey trip and honoured us by making her speech at our schoolyard. There couldn’t be any better place to make that kind of a speech than somewhere like our school with the magnificent view of Bosporus, anyway.

Kabatas High School Educational Foundation Sabanci Cultural Complex - Istanbul

"Feriye Karakolu", which is located within the Feriye Palaces complex, built in the second half of 19th century, has been restored with the contributions of Sabanci Foundation. The building is commissioned in 1995 as Kabatas High School Educational Foundation Sabanci Cultural Complex for educational and cultural purposes.

The usage rights of the Cultural Complex is 12.311 square meters of area and it has a closed area of 6.086 square meters.

Inside the Complex, there is Cahit Kocaomer Library with 40,000 books, 3 movie theaters, each with 400-seat capacity, music rooms, each with 40-person capacity, for musical studies, special days and functions, and a kindergarten with a capacity of 55 children.

Kabatas High School Educational Foundation Sabanci Cultural Complex provides service with its 120-person Feyyaz Tokar Restaurant, ideal for special occasions, 100-person Garden Restaurant and 6 meeting rooms convenient for national and international meetings.

Due to his contributions to the construction of the Cultural Complex, a bust of late Sakip Sabanci was erected in the garden to perpetuate his memory and unveiled on April 10, 2015 which is the 11th anniversary of his death.

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WEB SITE : Kabataş High School

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : vakif@kelev.org.tr
Tel : +90 212 260 4870
Fax : +90 212 227 9154

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GEORGES GALATA HOTEL

Galata, Beyoğlu - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'36.6"N 28°58'31.7"E / 41.026827, 28.975478



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Housed in a majestic and historic building in the chic Galata neighbourhood, you could be easily forgiven for walking right past the Georges Hotel given that there is no hotel name or sign outside. Step inside, however, and you will find a quite simply stunning hotel and a world of cool, glamourous chic, topped off by a fabulous roof terrace with timeless views.

GEORGES GALATA HOTEL

Stylish 20 room boutique hotel housed in a heritage building in the heart of Istanbul’s chic cultural centre. Georges Hotel Galata is located in a majestic historical building and surrounded by a wide range of stores, restaurants, bars and cafes in a chic, trendy neighborhood, just a few steps to the Galata Tower, a five minute walk to the lively Istiklal Street and a short walk to Taksim Square.

HOTEL FEATURES

20 luxurious rooms including sea view rooms
Restaurant & Terrace & Bar Le Fumoir serving unique French cuisine and wines
Meeting room
Complimentary WI-FI internet access throughout the hotel
Twice daily housekeeping including evening turn down
Laundry and dry cleaning
24-hour room service, reception and concierge
In room yoga sessions provided by State of Yoga
In room massage
Airport transfer
Pre arrival concierge services
Private guided tours and car rental assistance
Foreign currency exchange
Interconnecting guest rooms
On request doctor, hairdresser and baby sitting
Wide range of gifts and “just in case” travel products
Shoe shine
Courier and postal services

ROOMS

All of the rooms feature high ceilings, sleek furniture, wood parquet floors and a spacious feel. Despite the historic building and architectural details, the rooms nevertheless feel very modern thanks to a range of amenities that include Led TV, iPad docking stations, laptop sized safes, Nespresso machine and free Wi-Fi. Many of the rooms also feature balconies and stunning views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

Most of our rooms have a private balcony with stunning views of the Bosphorus, from the first bridge to the Historical Peninsula. Each room has marble bathroom with amenities, Led TV, iPad docking station, laptop sized safe box, Nespresso machine and free Wi-Fi.

Superior Room
Deluxe Room
Deluxe Twin Room
Deluxe Sea Wiew Room
Terrace Suit
Panorama Bosphorus Suite
Family Room And Suites

RESTAURANT
Hotel guests, visitors and locals can enjoy breathtaking views over the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and Asia; signature cocktails by Alex Waldman and an international menu on our award-winning terrace, one of Istanbul’s most Instagram-ready spots.

The George’s own restaurant is among the highlights; Le Fumoir Restaurant & Terrace & Bar serves well-crafted made with artisanal methods French cuisine in a clubby brick-walled dining room and in the rooftop terrace. A stately, old-world romance bathes the hotel’s contemporary interiors, particularly the wooden-lacquered bar, where guests can sip a wide range of French champagnes. An in-room yoga service is a welcome addition to the hotel’s signature brand of personalized luxury.

ROOFTOP
We offer a la carte breakfast until 3 PM and drinks until 10 PM in our unique rooftop terrace with incredible views, from the Old city to the Asian side.

CONFERENCE ROOM
There is a conference room in case you are scheduled for a bit of business. Welcome to Georges Hotel Galata. 14 people seating capacity meeting room suitable for meetings or dinners. Parties and other events for up to 150 people can be organized by connecting the meeting room to the Terrace Suite.

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WEB SITE : Georges Hotel Galata

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : reservation@georges.com
Phone : +90 212 244 2423
Fax : +90 212 244 2413

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SIMON MANSION

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'51.8"N 29°01'30.9"E / 41.047715, 29.025249



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The historic building is the former home of Ottoman-era architect Simon Balian, a member of the Armenian family behind many of Istanbul's landmark imperial buildings, including the Dolmabahçe and Çırağan palaces. Simon Kalfa building and the historical mansion next to it built in the 19th century.

He was part of the prestigious Balyan architectural team, who created many of the most admired mosques and Ottoman palaces. The building was a Mansion, the waterside home to a diplomat or wealthy merchant. It has been preserved as a Grade A listed building and is one of the defining landmarks of the Ortaköy district.

HOUSE HOTEL BOSPHORUS

Renovated by the internationally acclaimed design firm Autoban, the hotel has been transformed into a luxury design boutique hotel of 26 rooms. With its original features that have been restored, The House Hotel Bosphorus combines historical glamour with contemporary design.

The House Hotel Bosphorus consists of 26 rooms and suites in a 5-storey, 19th-century Ottoman mansion at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge; most of these twenty rooms have balconies directly facing over the water. Interiors are equally attractive in the crisp, neutral-toned style Autoban have become renowned for and are more than in keeping with the most stylish to be found in Istanbul.

Ortaköy is a lively area right on the Bosphorus with restaurants, cafes and a wide range of stores. A few minutes away from The House Hotel Bosphorus are the landmarks Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge. Our hotel overlooks the Bosphorus and has one of the most iconic views of Istanbul.

The centerpiece, in this, as in the other House hotels, is the capacious first-floor lounge where public spaces are a treat. The Bosphorus Lounge offers a stunning view stretching from the bridge to the Topkapı Palace, serving a delicious buffet breakfast, snacks and drinks. Or guests can head to sister establishment, The House Café on the ground floor where meals are served on a patio overlooking the Bosporus, the bridge and the mosque.

On the second storey there is also a small fitness centre.

ROOMS
Superior, Superior Bosphorus, Deluxe Suites, Deluxe Bosphorus Suites, Penthouse Suites, Penthouse Bosphorus Suite

LOUNGE BAR
You will enjoy amazing Bosphorus views, from Ortaköy Mosque to Topkapı Palace. Breakfast buffet, light snacks and drinks are served from 07:00 until 01:00

COCKTAIL
The Lounge Bar is also appropriate for social events or cocktails up to 100 persons.

MEETING ROOM FACILITIES
Bosphorus
With its perfect view, airy atmosphere and different set-up options, The Bosphorus is a perfect match for your meetings and organizations.

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WEB SITE : House Hotel Bosphorus

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info.bosphorus@thehousehotel.com
Phone : +90 212 327 7787
Fax : +90 212 327 7793

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ÇIRAĞAN PALACE

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş - Istanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'40.2"N 29°00'57.1"E / 41.044513, 29.015849



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PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM - 2

Çırağan Palace (Turkish: Çırağan Sarayı), a former Ottoman palace, is now a five-star hotel of the Kempinski Hotels chain. It is located on the European shore of the Bosporus between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy in Istanbul, Turkey.

The area whereabouts the Çırağan Palace used to be known as the "Kazancıoğlu Gardens” at the beginning of the 17th century. The first structure of the region was the mansion that belonged to Admiral Kılıç Ali Pasha. Damat İbrahim Pasha of Nevşehir, the Grand Vezir, has built a summer mansion for his wife (the daughter of Sultan Ahmet III) in 1719 at the same spot.

The name of the palace, “Çırağan” is sourced from the flambeau entertainments that took place in this area between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy around the palace, the so-called “Çırağan Festivals”; “Çerağan” meaning “light spreading” in Persian.

Sultan Mahmut II reconstructed the area that by then had a mosque, a school and a Mevlevi lodge by demolishing the summer villa and building the first Palace. But then in 1857, Sultan Abdülmecid demolished the Palace that he had built, and made plans to rebuild a new palace but as his life span did not allow him, his wishes were carried out by his brother Sultan Abdülaziz. Sultan Abdülaziz finished building the Palace in 1871, and in the following years Çırağan became his residence, and then after him the residence Sultan Murat V.

Many legendary tales lie hidden behind the doors of history. Some tales are lost, but many survive to this day. Such tales become “living legends”. The Çırağan Palace is indeed one of those great living legends, a colourful part of the magnificent legacy left by the Ottoman Empire.

Kazancıoğlu Gardens During the 17th Century : The area around the Çırağan Palace was known as Kazancıoğlu Gardens during the 17th Century. These lush gardens extended from Beşiktaş to Ortaköy.

Sultan Ahmet III - The Tulip Period (1718 - 1730) : The gardens and the water-side palaces that adorned the Beşiktaş shores were to enjoy their most brilliant epoch during the colorful years that came to be known as the Tulip period, a period characterised above all by a passionate love of flowers and music. It was during these years that Sultan Ahmet III. presented this property to his favorite and son-in-low, the Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha, who had joined with him in initiating this era of pleasure and cultural refinement.

Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha (1719) : The first  “Yalı” (water side villa) in these richly green Kazancıoğlu Gardens was constructed by Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha of Nevşehir in 1719 for his wife Fatma Sultan. She frequently organized torclit celebrations or “Çırağan Festivals” in the gardens of the Palace. From Persian the word Çırağan suggests a “special light source”. The word soon became synonymous with the Palace.

Sultan Mahmut II (1834) : In 1834 Sultan Mahmut II decides to rebuild the entire Palace. He demolished the yalı (water side villa) together with the school and the mosque. The house of the Mevlevi dervishes had been moved to another "yalı" which was around. Following eight years of construction, the classical appearance of the new Palace adorned the shores with a foundation of stone -including forty grand columns- and extensive use of rare woods.

Sultan Abdülmecid (1857) : Sultan Abdülaziz's brother Sultan Abdülmecid has demolished the first Palace in 1857 which was constructed by Sultan Mahmut the IInd. He had planned to build  a palace in "Western" style but unfortunately he died in 1861. The construction of the Palace had not been completed due to economical and political circumstances of the Empire.

Sultan Abdülaziz (1871) : Despite being dethroned following his brother's death, Sultan Abdülaziz was allowed to continue his brother's dream of expanding the Palace, this time in a more “Eastern” architectural style. As a tribute to himself, Sultan Abdülaziz ordered Agop Balyan to build a palace in Arabian style. The old wooden structure of the palace was destroyed and a new stone foundation was built in its place. The magnificent priceless doors of the Palace were each made by Vortik Kemhaciyan and worth 1000 gold coins. Sultan Abdülhamid II gave one of these doors as a gift to his friend the German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II. Wilhelm put that door on display at the Berlin Museum.

The palace, built by Sultan Abdülâziz, was designed by the palace architect Nigoğayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Sarkis and Hagop Balyan between 1863 and 1867. This was a period in which all Ottoman sultans used to build their own palaces rather than using those of their ancestors. Çırağan Palace is the last example of this period. The inner walls and the roof were made of wood, the outer walls of colorful marble. The palace is connected with a beautiful marble bridge to the Yıldız Palace on the hill behind. A very high garden wall protects the palace from the outer world.

During the time of Sultan Abdülaziz, the Empress Eugenie of France, who was said to be in love with the Sultan visited the most famous bath of the new Çırağan Palace during her stay in Istanbul on her way to open the Suez Canal in 1869.

Material including rare marble and mother of pearl were imported from different parts of the world for the construction of the palace. The waterfront construction alone cost 400,000 Ottoman Liras. The construction of the Çırağan Palace, which began in 1863, was completed in 1871 and 2.5 million gold coins were spent. Due to rumors among the public that the destruction of the house of the Mevlevi dervishes and the incorporation of its land into the Palace's estate would bring bad luck, Sultan Abdülaziz stayed for the last time at the Çırağan Palace in March of 1876 making Dolmabahçe Palace his new residence.

Sultan Murat V (from 1876 till 1904) : Sultan Murat V was the nephew of Sultan Abdülaziz and became “Sultan” on May the 30th, 1876. Unfortunately, Sultan Murat V was soon deposed by his brother Sultan Abdülhamit II but he continued to live in Harem building of the Palace until his death. He was an art lover, especially music.

The construction and the interior decoration of the palace continued until 1872. After he moved in, Sultan Abdülâziz was, however, not able to live long in his magnificent palace. He was found dead in the palace on May 30, 1876, shortly after he was dethroned. His successor, his nephew Sultan Murad V, moved into Çırağan Palace, but reigned after only 93 days. He, who was deposed by his brother Abdülhamid II due to alleged mental illness, lived here under house arrest until his death on August 29, 1904.

Parliament Building (1909) - Fire (1910) : On November 14th 1909, with a slightly revised name change the Çırağan Palace was selected as the site for a significant meeting of the Turkish Parliament. For the event the Palace was refurnished in grand style including valuable paintings from the art collection of Sultan Abdülhamid of the 1860's. Works by Rembrandt and Ayvazovsky were included in the priceless collection. Dramatically, however, shortly after the conclusion of the Parliament meeting in January 1910, a fire which is known to have started in the attic, destroyed the entire inside of the Palace including significant antiques and art pieces of Abdülhamid and books from the renowned library of Murat the V.

During the Second Constitutional Monarchy, Sultan Mehmet V Reşat allowed the parliament to hold their meetings in this building. The Ottoman parliament was opened with great ceremony in the Palace after the announcement of the Constitutional Monarchy II in the era of Sultan Abdülhamit II. The building of the Palace into a hotel was talked about in 1930s but it stayed unkempt for a long time after the big fire in 1910.

Çırağan Palace During the Occupation of Istanbul City (1920) : At the end of the First World War, during the occupation of Istanbul, the ruined Palace was used as “Bizo Barrack” by the French military field corps engineers.

Palace was left to the Municipality (1946) : In 1946 an army captain damaged the grave site of the whirling dervishes in the basement of the Palace while digging for gold. That same year it was decided that the Palace was to be left to the municipality.

Football Stadium in the Çırağan Palace Garden (1968) : Only two months after, on January 19, 1910, a great fire destroyed the palace, leaving only the outer walls intact. Called "Şeref Stadı", the place served for many years as a football stadium for the club Beşiktaş J.K.. Beşiktaş Football Team used the garden of the Palace as stadium in 1930. Then Prof. Bonatz and famous Turkish Architect Prof. Sedat Hakkı Eldem had investigated the possibilities of building a hotel in this area.

ÇIRAĞAN PALACE KEMPINSKI 5*

First Restoration After the Fire (1987) : In 1987, the Japanese Company Kumagai Gumi and the Turkish Company Yüksel Inşaat began restoring the Palace and built an adjacent Hotel. In 1990 the Hotel was opened and in 1992 the Palace also re-opened its doors. In 1989, the ruined palace was bought by a Japanese corporation, which restored the palace and added a modern hotel complex next to it in its garden. Today, it serves as luxury suites for the five-star Kempinski hotel along with two restaurants that cater to guests.

In 1989, the ruined palace was bought by a Japanese corporation, which restored the palace and added a modern hotel complex next to it in its garden. Today, it serves as luxury suites for the five star Kempinski hotel along with two restaurants that cater to guests. The restoration of the Palace was considered a travesty by many, who criticized the government for allowing an independent company to restore a Turkish landmark at minimal cost and with absolutely no regard for the historical or architectural history of the building.

The Opening of the Palace After the Restoration (1992) : The Imperial Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul opened its doors to the curious and appreciative public in 1990. More significantly, however, after years of redesign and construction the "new" Çırağan Palace opened the doors of its four immense historic gates in 1992. This historic reopening of the great Palace on the Bosphorus was an amazing tribute to the commitment, the creativity and the perseverance of many visionaries. The second renovation after 1992 has been completed on April the 20th, 2006 and all the Palace suites have been renovated.

Çırağan Palace Renovation (2007) : The meeting rooms and public areas of the Palace underwent a renovation in 2007 in which it was restored to its original color scheme and glamour, as well state-of-the-art technology was placed in all the meeting rooms. The pearl of Ottoman and classical Turkish cuisine, Tuğra Restaurant was also part of the renovation project. The Palace now resembling the authentic palace with the baroqe style and soft colors.

Instead, proud Çırağan Palace has risen again in all its glory. Lovingly restored for the Kempinski Hotel group, the Palace hotel has given a new meaning to the world "luxury". The unique atmosphere of Çırağan Palace Hotel Kempinski İstanbul comes from its subtle blend of the ancient and modern. First the original front of the Sultan's palace, which stretches for more than 400 metres along its own private coastline, was restored to its own previous grandeur; this task called for a small army of highly-skilled artisans.

A number of stones and other original fragments from the palace were found still lying where they fell in the palace gardens. These served as models for the master stone masons engaged to recreate the front. Like their ancestors a hundred years ago, these craftsmen worked the intricate stone latticework and marble colonnades by hand.

The whole construction process, which took six years, was overseen by the Turkish curator of Historic Monuments, who insisted that the same materials be used as for the original construction. When the outer walls were restored to their former state, work started on transforming the ancient building into one of the world's leading luxury hotels.

The interior of the building was a very bright neon pink and contained several stores and areas for events such as banquets, many have criticized it for resembling the interior of an American shopping mall. The German Artist Rainer Maria Latzke redecorated the interior with a bright and colorful Mediterranean ambiance by equipping the interior swimming pool with beautiful murals.

The Hotel and The Sultan's Palace... Once the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the only hotel situated directly on the shores of the Bosphorus. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is actually two hotels: the restored Sultan’s Palace itself and a grand deluxe hotel featuring five star luxury.

ROOMS AND SUITES
Luxury Rooms and Suites all providing a relaxing atmosphere. Tastefully decorated rooms and suites lavish in style and comfort and capture the essence of pure luxury. Most of them offer a balcony that welcomes you into breathtaking views from the Bosphorus. Combining the architectural grandeur of the Sultan's Imperial Palace with the modern comfort of a luxury hotel by the Bosphorus, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul offers the ultimate in luxury in the center of the city with 313 rooms.

282 Rooms + 31 Suites 11 suites in the imperial Palace will treat you to the exclusive ambience once enjoyed by majestic Sultans of the Ottoman Empire.

102 Park View Rooms, 126 Superior Bosphorus View Rooms, 20 Deluxe Bosphorus View Rooms, 34 Grand Deluxe Bosphorus View Rooms, 20 Hotel Suites, 11 Palace Suites

HOTEL ROOMS
Anticipate refined luxury… Decor and lighting that project quiet, distinctive taste... and a balcony opening up to the Bosphorus or the former Palace garden, Yıldız Park which was once the hunting forest of the Sultans.

Park View Room, Superior Bosphorus View Room, Deluxe Bosphorus View Room, Grand Deluxe Bosphorus View Room

HOTEL SUITES
Endless views of the city where east meets west from your balcony vying for your attention offered in various attractive choices.

Studio Suite, One Bedroom Suite, Lale Suite, Vali / Vezir Suite, Pasha / Presidential Suite

PALACE SUITES
Be greeted at a genuine Ottoman Palace helipad by your private butler. Then encounter an entrance even grander... opening to expanses of individually curated furniture, decor, and majestic Bosphorus views.

One Bedroom Park View Palace Suite, One Bedroom Bosphorus View Palace Suite, Two Bedroom Park View Palace Suite, Two Bedroom Corner Palace Suite, Three Bedroom Corner Palace Suite, Sultan Suite

DINING
Fine Dining Restaurants and Bars... Few cities have as many world-class restaurants uniting old and new, east and west as Istanbul. To get an idea of endless dining options the city has to offer, you do not have to roam around Istanbul as Çırağan Palace Kempinski reigns supreme in Istanbul’s top-end dining scene. Each accented by a balcony or terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, four restaurants promise essential gastronomic experiences. Embark on a journey of culinary delights at fine dining restaurant Tugra, Gazebo Lounge, Laledan Restaurant and Bosphorus Grill. And you will find the essence of Istanbul’s social life for pre- or post-meal socializing, imbibe atmosphere of our bars.

RESTAURANTS
Gazebo Lounge, Laledan Restaurant, Tuğra Restaurant & Lounge, Bosphorus Grill

BARS
Le Fumoir, Çırağan Bar

MEETINGS
Business meetings and events in Istanbul... Whether it be for business or social gatherings, Ciragan Palace Kempinski is proud to provide today’s most illustrious meeting venues paired with the very latest in conference technology and legendary Kempinski service for 10 to 1.000 guests. Prestigious location , grandiose architecture, majestic ambience, venues with daylight, the terrace offering the fresh breeze from the Bosphorus and superior cuisine that inspires ... all comes together to create flawless meetings and social events, which are turned into treasured memories.

Meetings & Conferences, Wedding Celebrations, Social Occasions

LUXURY SPA
Spa and Wellness, Spa Features & Treatments, Fitness Centre and Pools

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Çırağan Palace Kempinski

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : reservationoffice.ciraganpalace@kempinski.com
Phone : +90 212 326 4646
Fax : +90 212 259 6687

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KEÇELİ HAN

Karaköy, Beyoğlu - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'25.4"N 28°58'36.9"E / 41.023722, 28.976917



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The Haze Karaköy is an amalgamation of space between Karaköy’s Keçeli Han, previously utilized as a bakery, and the adjacent historic 1930’s Bobbin Factory, a prime example of Neoclassical ferro-concrete architecture with its distinctive 4.60 m high ceilings.

THE HAZE KARAKOY

This stove has been regenerated as “Forneria” which means “the stove” in Portuguese. On the other hand, the building which was used as a bobbin factory has the windowsills and vertical molding between the windows would indicate an Art Deco effect, as well as a reinforcement of perpendicular proportions associated with this.

In addition, the uniformity of the structure, and balcony above the ground floor would indicate a common feature of the period an “esoteric balcony”, as well as the obvious use of a cornice to emphasize the entrance to the building. In conclusion, the structure is an architectural example of a Neoclassical style ferro concrete edifice.

Located in Karaköy’s centre, right beside the harbour and straddling Necatibey and Maliye streets, each with 18 metre high facades, the building, with its 44 rooms and Private Terrace Penthouse Suite with Bosphorus and Golden Horn view also Private Terrace Penhouse Suites with Galata Tower view , is destined to make a lasting impression as it opens its doors.

ROOMS

Economy Room, Double Rooms, Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Family Room, Superior King Room, Executive King Room, Executive Queen Room, Penthouse Suite with Bosphorus and Golden Horn View, Penthouse Suite with Galata Tower View

SERVICES

Business Centre, Room Service, Breakfast Service, Dry Cleaning, Panoramic Istanbul Tour, Conference Room, Complimentary Shoe Shining Service

GOURMET RESTAURANT & BAR FORNERIA

Forneria, adding Turkish-inspired touches to its menu of classic Mediterranean tastes, is opening a new and exciting page in Karaköy’s fast-developing world of gastronomy. Aside from the set ‘A la Carte’ menu, there are daily lunchtime specials, reflecting Forneria cuisine’s diversity, including new versions of traditional Turkish flavours.

For those living, working and, of course, visiting Karaköy, the morning service begins with traditional, daily fresh and totally organic flavours such as special homemade preserves, fresh daily clotted cream, Bodrum olives, and Afyon spicy sausage, and every lunchtime a choice of dishes are on offer for customers’ culinary delight.

With the dictionary meaning of ”dishes from the oven”, Forneria’s originality lies in its stone oven baked pizzas and delicious dishes slow-cooked in individual small pots. From seafood to whole wheat, there is an endless choice of pizza varieties at Forneria, and its signature dish of beer stew slow-cooked in miniature pots is not to be missed.

MÜKELLEF RESTAURANT

Located on the roof terrace, the hotel’s restaurant Mükellef Karakoy offers an open buffet breakfast and a rich menu of unique tastes with an award-winning chef. You can also enjoy snacks and cocktails from the bar.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : The Haze Karaköy Hotel

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info@thehazeistanbul.com
Phone : +90 212 293 9955
Fax : +90 212 293 5515

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2018, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

FUAT PASHA MANSION

Büyükdere, Sarıyer - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°09'40.9"N 29°02'43.8"E / 41.161366, 29.045506



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

Fuat Pasha Mansion was thought to be built in late 18th century by a pasha. Then, it passed in title and was used as house by Keçecizade Fuat Pasha, Sultan Abdülaziz’s grand vizier, for a long time. After Keçecizade Fuat Pasha, yali was continued to be used as house for some more time. It was restored in republican era and started to be used as hotel and guesthouse in 1930s.

Keçecizade Fuat Pasha Yalısı one of the most beautiful waterfront houses in Bosphorus, has been serving since 1991 with the name of Fuat Pasha Hotel. After having been a quiet witness of Istanbul ’s history for two centuries, Keçecizade Fuat Pasha Yalısı is now combining Ottoman architecture and modern hotel management, to put this combination into service of tourism.

Keçecizade Fuat Pasha Yalısı (Seaside Residence) is right, on the bay of Büyükdere where the sea looks like a lake with its guite and calm waters, It is one of the few historical mansions, starting form the village of Büyükdere stopping few kilometers short of Sarıyer. It is Supposed to have been builth by another pasha towards the end of 18 th Centrury.

Later the structure changed hands and during the reing of Sultan Abdülaziz, his prime minister Keçecizade Fuat Pasha used the building as his private residence by making some changes and additions. After the Fuat Pasha era it changed hands among some other people and was used for their purposes. During the Republican era, towards the late 1930's years other additions and it was used as a hotel and boarding house to the present day.

FUAT PASHA YALISI HOTEL

ACCOMMODATION
56 room (5 Şehzade suit - 1 sultan suit) - 115 beds
Standard, Deluxe room with sea view no balcony, Deluxe room with sea view with balcony, Prince suite, Suite, Sultan suite, Triple Occupancy

RESTAURANTS
Pasha Restaurant, Café Busende

BAR
Yalı Bar

MEETING AND SEMINARS
Pasha Hall, Bosphorus 1, Bosphorus 2

HOTEL FACILITIES
In House Dining, In House Bar, Air Conditioning, Mini Bar In Room, Room Service, Hair Dryer, TV In Room, Airport transportation (surcharge), Area shuttle (surcharge), Bar/lounge, Complimentary breakfast, Dry cleaning/laundry service, Free guest parking only during stay, Parking (free), Parking nearby, Parking nearby (surcharge), Room service (24 hours), Swimming pool - outdoor, Swimming pool - outdoor seasonal, Valet parking, Valet parking (free), 24-hour front desk, Air-Conditioned public areas, Babysitting or child care, Concierge services, Express check-in, Luggage storage, Porter/bellhop, Banquet facilities, Coffee in lobby, Coffee shop or café, Currency exchange, Elevator/lift, Garden, One meeting/conference room, Safe-deposit box at front desk, Shopping center shuttle (surcharge), Suitable for children, Audio-visual equipment, Designated smoking areas, Event catering, Express check-out, Floor butler, Laundry facilities, Wedding services, Fireplace in lobby, Multilingual staff

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Fuat Paşa Yalısı Hotel

MORE INFO & CONTACT
Phone : +90 212 242 9860
Fax : +90 212 242 9589

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2018, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

LES OTTOMANS HOTEL

Kuruçeşme, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS :41°03'32.3"N 29°02'09.0"E / 41.058965, 29.035845



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

MUHSİNZADE MEHMET PASHA MANSION

The grandeur of the Ottomans are kept alive with today’s luxury and comfort at Hotel Les Ottomans. Located at the most magnificent section of the Bosphorus, the “Muhsinzade Mehmet Pasha Mansion” has been brought back to life, as “Hôtel Les Ottomans”.

The Muhsinzade Mehmet Pasha Mansion was one of the most prestigious mansions of its time. The mansion and its annexes were built on a total land area of 4,527 sqm, where there had been remains from the time of Sultan Ahmet III, a fountain and garden sets. This exquisite fountain and garden were considered as finer examples of Ottoman style garden and water architectures.

The family lived at the mansion from 1790-1929 and then gradually left. Mansion and its land were rented out to a merchant to be used as a coal storage area. In 1935, it was finally being used for sand storage. In the 1980’s, 22 inheritors of the family came together to sell the mansion to an entrepreneur who intended to use the property in tourism business.

During their reign they enjoyed splendid architecture - gardens , pools, marble chiseled fountains - from the Ottoman period. The Garden of Muhsinzade built on this property was among the most beautiful and richest examples of 18th century garden architecture that Turkey has seen. It survived until early last century. The Ottoman period lasted a walloping 600+ years from 1299 - 1923 and Turkish culture takes it’s cues from the greatness of it’s reigning empirical years.

LES OTTOMANS HOTEL

After a long and sad hiatus in its history, the mansion came back to life, was converted to one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in Turkey. Remaining faithful to its original design on the outside, it was restructured inside as a journey from its origins in the past to the present.

This extraordinary hotel consisting of 10 original and unique prestigious suites opens its doors to welcome guests, with great Bosporus views. The decor of the rooms combine the Ottoman tradition and the pleasures of a luxurious life that will leave guests breathless.

SUITES
Nurbanu Sultan (Suite 101), Devlet Hatun (Suite 102), Hayme Hatun (Suite 103), Nilufer Hatun (Suite 104), Bezmialem Sultan (Suite 105), Hafza Hatun (Suite 106), Turhan Hatice Sultan (Suite 107), Kösem Sultan (Suite 108), Safiye Sultan (Suite 109), Hürrem Sultan (Suite 110)

RESTAURANTS
Su Yanı Restaurant, Bosphorus Pool Bar, Yalı Hatun Restaurant

SPA

LES OTTOMANS GYM

EVENTS

WEDDINGS & PRIVATE EVENTS
Bosphorus - Has Bahçe, Has Oda, Sultan Meryem And Sultan Nigar

PRIVATE CINEMA
With its rich decoration, up to fifteen people can throughly relax and enjoy cinema here in ultimate comfort and rare privacy. Enjoyment of these magnificent facilities is not limited to guests staying at the exquisite Hotel Les Ottomans in Kuruçeşme, it's open to all those who appreciate brilliant service and the hotel's unique and luxurious style. 15 seated

MEETINGS
Meclis, Has Oda, Sultan Meryem And Sultan Nigar, Kavmahal

BOAT & YACHTS
Les Ottomans Boat, Mabiche

CONCIERGE

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Les Ottomans Hotel

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info@lesottomans.com
Phone : +90 212 359 1500
Fax : +90 212 359 1540

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2018, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.