EYÜP SULTAN MOSQUE

Eyüp - Istanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'54.0"N 28°56'02.0"E / 41.048333, 28.933889



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is situated outside the Walls of Constantinople, near the Golden Horn, in the district of Eyüp on the European side of İstanbul. Built in 1458, it was the first mosque constructed by the Ottoman Turks following their conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The complex is located in Eyüp on the shores of the Golden Horn. The mosque, mausoleum and hamam of the complex still stand today, but the medresse and soup kitchen for the poor no longer survive. The first structure built in the complex was the tomb of Ebu Eyyub El-Ensari a "sahabe", or companion of the Prophet Mohammed. He is said to have hosted Mohammed the first time he journeyed to Medina.

Known as "Eyüp Sultan", he is believed to have been martyred during the siege of İstanbul by the Umayyad people in 668-669. It is believed that after the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans, the site was revealed to Sultan Mehmed, the Conqueror's teacher, Akşemseddin, in a dream. The Conqueror had a mausoleum built on the site. It is built where Hz Eyyubu El-Ensari (An important Islamic character) was thought to be buried, he was one of the first acceptors of Islam and died during the first Islamic siege of Istanbul in 688-669. A tomb and a mosque was built by the command of Mehmed the Conqueror.

The mosque rises on the spot where Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Turkish: Eyüp Sultan), the standard-bearer of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, died during the Arab assault on Constantinople in 670. His tomb is greatly venerated by Muslims, attracting many pilgrims. Some of the personal belongings of Prophet Mohammed are preserved inside this mosque. His other belongings are preserved in the Topkapı Palace and in several other mosques of İstanbul, which was the final seat of the Islamic Caliphate.

Two outstanding structures in this district - the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the adjacent tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of Prophet Mohammed - draw thousands of people from across Turkey every year. In 1459 Sultan Mehmed, The Conqueror went on to build a mosque, a medresse, a soup kitchen and a hamam, so that the site became a full complex.

The Eyup Sultan Complex, located in the middle of the city, gave its own name to its district It is one of the most prominent complexes experiencing a stream of sightseers visiting Istanbul. The name of the complex comes from Eyüp el-Ensari, a host of the Prophet, who participated in pincer movement of Istanbul by the Umayyad army and was martyred in the area of the present mosque.

The current mosque has substantially different features compared to the original. The main dome of the mosque, built from limestone blocks, measures 17.50 meters in diameter which consists of the ceiling structure of the Harim (sanctum sanctorum) at a size of 26 x 11m. It is supported by two half-domes, each of which has same diameter, and the interior lighting of the mosque is strengthened by window gaps placed on the half domes and the pulley of the central dome. The mosque’s decorations are of an Ottoman Baroque style and are remarkably plain when compared with the predominate, more complex architectural style of the time.

There are small fountains, which are known as kısmet çeşmeleri (destitny fountains), located in the middle of the inner court encircled by domed porches. The motifs and architectural elements used on these fountains are made of white marbles, giving a pleasing aesthetic view to them. The mosque has two minarets, each with two shrefes (balconies). Since the minarets were built in the period of Sultan Mehmed II, and were relatively short, both were raised in 1723 by Damat Ibrahim Paşa.

The madrasa (religious school) and the imaret (soup kitchen) of the mystical complex are the major structures which have not reached our time. In general, the Eyüp Sultan Complex hosts visitiors from every area in Turkey. Due to the spiritual athmosphere of the complex, it is considered a sacred place of pilgrimage for those whose beliefs are strengthened by making its visitors contemplate the afterlife. Furthermore, the number of graves encircling the complex both shows how much the grave owners wished to be buried near Eyüp el-Ensari and illustrates the importance of the city in Islamic Culture.

The construction of the complex was initiated by building a tomb on the location he had already been buried. According to rumors, Akşemseddin, a teacher of Sultan Mehmed II, had a dream in which he saw the place where the blessed person was buried upon which Sultan Mehmed II  had initially began building a tomb. The complex, which consists of a mosque, a tomb, a madrasa, (religious school) and a Turkish bath, took its first shape in the year 1459, during which the mosque’s construction began.

The complex has seen numerous changes in its history and has lost its original shape during restoration works. After the earthquake of 1776 and experiencing large scale structural damage, Sultan Selim III (1789-1807) made the decision to tear it down and rebuild it on the same site. The mosque, built by a group of people, of which Uzun Hüseyin Ağa was at the head, was reopened for worship on October 24, 1800 by Sultan Selim III.

Located beyond the city walls on the southern reaches of the Golden Horn, this historic quarter derives its name, Eyüp, from Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, one of the standard-bearers of the Prophet. Sultan Mehmet II had a finely embellished mausoleum and a striking mosque built in memory of this distinguished companion.

The first mosque was built in 1458, but it was collapsed and with the command of Sultan Selim III it was rebuilt by Uzun Hüseyin Efendi between 1798-1800. The mosque for the last time was repaired in the period of Sultan Mahmud II. A thunderbolt had fallen to the minaret looking through the sea, the upper gallery of minaret was rebuilt. Mosque, can be grouped a 8 graded mosque.

The Mosque and Mausoleum of Eyup Sultan, located outside the corner where the land walls meet the walls along the Golden Horn, is considered a sacred site for Moslems. Eyup-el-Ensari was a standard-bearer of Mohammed and he died-here during an Arabic siege of the city in the 7th century. His grave was discovered at the conquest and later the mausoleum and the first mosque in Istanbul were built on this site.

The original mosque was destroyed in an earthquake and the present one was constructed in its place in 1800. On Fridays, holy days for Islam, throngs of the faithful visit the mausoleum. The old trees, flocks of pigeons, the praying believers and the visiting crowds create a mystical and colorful atmosphere around the mosque and the mausoleum. The walls of the mausoleum in the courtyard are covered with tiles from different periods.

Historical sources indicate that in Byzantine times this district was also a holy site where people came to visit the grave of a saint and to pray for rain during times of drought. The sultans succeeding Mehmet the Conqueror completed their coronation and sword-bearing ceremonies with a visit to the Eyup Sultan Mausoleum.

The vicinity of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the neighboring hills are occupied by cemeteries. The famous Pierre Loti Cafe is also in this district. The well-known poet and author Loti was enraptured by Istanbul and he came here often to watch the beauties of the Golden Horn of those days. The view from this small cafe and the terrace, particularly during full moon, leaves long-lasting impressions on the visitors.

The Eyüp Sultan Mosque becomes particularly crowded during Friday prayer. People from other districts come for the prayer as well. For many people, praying Sunday’s dawn prayer at this mosque has become a tradition, and the mosque is filled to capacity for the occasion, with rows of the faithful spilling into the streets around the mosque.

The first prominent mosque of İstanbul, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, was the first mosque to be built after the conquest together with a madrasah, imaret (public kitchen) and hamam (public bathhouse) in memory of the distinguished companion.

The mosque has a rectangular design with a mihrab (a niche in the front wall, indicating the direction of prayer). The central dome rests on six columns and is supported by arches based on two piers. According to historical sources, the mosque has undergone several renovations since 1458. There are galleries surrounding three sides of the mosque. The mihrab is vaulted (eyvan) and the pulpit is made of marble. The seven domes of the mosque’s portico stand on six columns.

The mosque’s former minarets, which were shorter, were replaced by new higher minarets in 1733. The minaret facing the Golden Horn was rebuilt in 1823 as it was damaged by a thunderbolt. The Sinan Paşa pavilion located in front of the main gateway (of the inner courtyard) was demolished in 1798. An old plane tree now stands in the pavilion’s place, surrounded by railing and with a fountain on each of the four corners.

The first mosque built on the site was so badly damaged in the earthquake of 1776 that Sultan Selim III had to tear it down and rebuild it. A ceremony was held to reopen the mosque to worship in 1800. The mosque we see today is this second mosque built by Sultan Selim III. The mosque has a main dome of 17.50 meters in diameter and two minarets, built rather high according to the standards of 1723. The interior of the mosque is very plainly decorated, differentiating it from other mosques of the period, although the gilding decorating the mosque niche is eye-catching.

The most distinctive aspect of the complex is its mausoleum. It is octagonal in shape and has a single dome. The inner and outer walls of the mausoleum are covered with glazed tiles, and the lid of the sarcophagus is decorated with symbolic inscriptions. The protective shields in front of the sarcophagus are each a masterpiece, crafted out of pure silver.

The outer courtyard of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque has two gates opening to the street. The inner courtyard has 13 domes based on 12 columns. The main round-shaped fountain is located at the center of the inner courtyard. The marble gateway to the inner courtyard holds nine lines of inscription.

Another feature that distinguishes Eyüp Sultan is that it is perhaps the only mosque which is surrounded by a very large number of graveyards and mausoleums clustered closely together. Since Abu Ayyub al-Ansari’s mausoleum was built, thousands of prominent personalities as well as commoners have been buried in its vicinity. Both sides of the mosque house centuries-old graveyards of Ottoman family members and state officials. Today, the Eyüp graveyard is one of the largest in İstanbul, but it is difficult to find a plot there as almost every pious Muslim would like to be buried there in the hope of being raised on the Day of Judgment together with the Prophet’s companion, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari.

The tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari
The tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Eyüp Sultan Türbesi) has always been a center of attraction, drawing a variety of people, including Ottoman sultans, throughout its history. Today, it remains the district’s nucleus and holds a special place in people’s hearts.

The tomb of Hz Eyyubu El-Ensari was built in 1458 in the surrounding walls of the mosque. The tomb was decorated with tiles after 16th century, it was restored in the period of Sultan Ahmed I and Sultan Mahmud II. Although the silver carvings and candlesticks belong to recent periods, it is said that the fountain on the rear of the sarcophagus was found during discovery of the grave. Eyüp Sultan Tomb became a visiting place for the Islam World for many centuries.

Eyüp Sultan’s tomb, built on an octagonal plan covered by a dome, was built from cut lime stone. Kütahya tiles are used in the inner design of the tomb, and the protective shields crafted out of pure silver by Sultan Selim III and a green pall, a souvenir of Sultan Mahmud II (1785-1839), cover the sarcophagus of Eyüp el-Ensari. Silver sülüs calligraphies, belonging to the calligraphers, Mustafa Rakım Efendi and Sultan Mahmud II, are prominent elements in the inner design of the tomb. As for that the bath of the complex, which was designed as a double bath, is one of the oldest Ottoman baths that continues to stand today.

Abu Ayyub al-Ansari still beckons thousands of people. Farmers from Anatolia, businessmen, statesmen, intellectuals, students, women from the countryside in their colorful local dress and foreigners all come to pay their respect, to recite verses of the Quran, to ask for the Creator’s blessing or simply to breathe the spiritual air radiating from area. For many people who come to visit İstanbul for whatever reason, Eyüp is a must see.

The number of visitors to the mosque and the tomb increases significantly during religious holidays, Friday prayers and the holy month of Ramadan in particular. Streets become overcrowded due to traffic during Ramadan, but despite having to wait in traffic for hours, they keep on coming. It is also a common tradition among newlyweds to visit the tomb as well as the mosque and for families to bring their sons to celebrate their circumcision.

Sultan Mehmet II had the tomb built in 1459 after his spiritual mentor, Akşemsettin, saw the burial site in a dream. A plane tree beside which al-Ansari’s body was discovered still stands in the middle of the inner courtyard of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque.

The outer and inner walls of the tomb are adorned with tiles. The single-domed tomb has an octagonal shape. That part of the tomb housing Abu Ayyub al-Ansari’s sarcophagus, enclosed in silver with beautifully adorned railings, is separated from the rest of the hall. The velvet curtains at the tomb are said to have been originally made for the shrine of the Prophet Mohammed, known as Rawdat-ul-Mutahhara (Dome of the Prophet); nevertheless the curtains could not be sent there due to the outbreak of World War I and were hung in Abu Ayyub al-Ansari’s tomb instead.

The mausoleum hall and the tomb chamber have been adorned with calligraphy, crystal chandeliers and silver decorations from different centuries. Furthermore, a footprint of the Prophet Mohammed in marble stone and framed in silver lays embedded in the wall that faces the direction of prayer.

Hamam
The hamam, which is also part of the complex, is one of the oldest Ottoman hamams still surviving today. The medresse and soup kitchen, however, are no longer standing. Another feature of the Eyüp Sultan Complex is that for hundreds of years people wanted to be buried near the tomb of Eyyüb el-Ensari. As a result, the complex is now surrounded by graves and tombs. Following their ascent to the throne, Ottoman sultans girded their sword in the vicinity of Eyüp Sultan Mosque. The tradition is said to date back even to Byzantine times, when new rulers of the city did the same to signify their standing.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



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

FATİH MOSQUE COMPLEX

Fatih - Istanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'11.0"N 28°57'00.0"E / 41.019722, 28.950000



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The complex extends along the Golden Horn side of Fevzi Paşa Street in Fatih. Sultan Mehmed, the Conqueror had the complex constructed by the architect, Atik Sinani between the years 1463-1470. It was the largest example of Turkish-Islamic architecture to that date and represented an important stage in the development of classical Turkish architecture.The complex includes a set of well-planned buildings constructed around a mosque. They include: a medresse, a library, a hospital, a hospice, a caravanserai, a market, a hamam and various tombs which were added at a later date.

Fatih Mosque was constructed in the classic mosque style, but the Baroque influence can be seen in the decorations. A large dome of 26 meters in diameter is supported by four half-domes and rests upon four large marble columns. There are two minarets each with twin galleries. The calligraphy within the mosque exhibits a Baroque influence. The other important features of the complex are the medresses. Situated on both sides of the mosque, they were the foundation of İstanbul's universities and ensured the city's place as a center of education.

MOSQUE
The Fatih Mosque was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, in Fatih region of Istanbul. In the reign of Byzantine, Havariyun Church was located on mosque’s place. It is thought that Fatih Mosque was built by using the ruins of that church. As informed, from the Arabic inscription on the both sides of the Cümle kapısı, the mosque was started to be built in 1467 and ended in 1470. The architect of the mosque is Sinaüddin Yusuf bin Abdullah. Mosque is built in the form of a monument.

Central dome, is constructed on two elephant foot shaped columns. Because the mosque ruined in an earthquake in 1766, Sultan Mustafa III, was restored it, to Architect Mehmed Tahir Ağa between 1767 and 1771.  The dome of the mosque collapsed in the 1766 earthquake and was reconstructed entirely in 1771.

The Fatih Mosque is the sanctuary of the imperial complex built by Mehmed II to commemorate his conquest of Constantinople in 1453. It stands at the center of an expansive precinct that was entered through gates along the northern and southern walls and between madrasa (medrese) buildings that enclose the space to the east and the west. The architect of the mosque, as of the complex, is Atik Sinan (Old Sinan). Built between 1463 and 1470, the complex was restored by Bayezid I following an earthquake in 1509. The dome of the mosque collapsed in the 1766 earthquake and was reconstructed entirely in 1771.

From its original construction only three parts of the fountain wall, the fountain, the crown door, the altar, the minarets till the first gallery, the porch parallel to the Kıble (direction of Mecca) wall are remained today. Outer hoop of the domes are octagonal and they are constructed on belts. Belts are generally decorated with red stone and white marble, and green stone is used only in decorating the pivot. Upstairs’ and downstairs’ window sides are encircled with silver thread. The door posts are made of marble and they are pointed out with a strong silver thread.

Iron railings are made from thick iron and they are knobby. There are eight porch columns, eight of them are green, two of them are pink, two of them are from brunette granite, the some of them are made out of Egyptian granite. Whole crowns are from marble. Cell corners are green poled, decorated with sand clocks and the head ends with a kind corolla.

Mehmed Tahir Ağa restored the mosque in the 19th century, he combined the remaining parts of the claasical mosque with baroque style parts he designed. Because the plaster windows of the mosque were ruined they were changed to simple windows. The fire pool near the Garden door was made built by Sultan Mahmud II in 1825. The mosque has a wide garden. The door was opening to clinic (tabhane) was remained from the old mosque.

Our knowledge of the original mosque is limited to the accounts and sketches of travelers and chroniclers. According to these sources, the mosque had large entry hall with a tall dome supported by a semi-dome of equal radius over the mihrab and three colossal arches on the remaining three sides. This ensemble was flanked by three domed bays to the east and west and was entered through an arcaded courtyard to the north. Three wings of the original courtyard have remained to our day. The new mosque by Mustafa III has also incorporated the portal, the mihrab and the lower shafts of the minarets belonging to the original structure.

The reconstruction by head-architect Mehmed Tahir was realized in the appropriate historic style, distinct from the rococo fashion seen in the contemporary mosques of Nuruosmaniye and Laleli. The form, however, was altered for the most part. The new mosque is slightly wider than the old one and has a tall central dome held by semi-domes on all four sides in ways that resemble the classical mosques of the sixteenth century. Four small domes complete the corners of the pyramid-like space. The plan, oriented 32 degrees east of south, is wider than it is deep and is equal in size to the open courtyard that precedes the mosque.

The courtyard has one main and two side entrances. The main portal is located to the northwest, on axis with the entry to the mosque and the ablution fountain at the center of the courtyard. It is adorned with seven rows of stalactites inside three arches. The side entrances, with cascading steps on the outside, are located where the courtyard gallery meets the taller portico of the mosque.

Windows placed low in each bay of the gallery creates visual connection between the mosque courtyard and the lower grounds. The gallery columns are carved of granite, white marble and green stone. The tympana of each window is adorned with Koranic inscriptions in white and green marble on the precinct side. Ceramic tiles other inscriptions decorate the tympana of two windows inside the mosque portico.

The mosque entrance is marked by the raised dome and the green and white voussoirs of the central bay of portico. The muqarnas portal, maintained from the original structure, has been transformed on the interior with the addition of a balcony above its ribbed semi-vault and a raised terrace (mahfil) with side bays at its front. The central dome, supported by two elephant piers and two porphyry columns in the old structure, is carried on four large piers that section the interior space. The decorative painting of the interior reflects the baroque influence on 18th century Ottoman architecture.

While rebuilding the mosque, the side walls were taken in to accommodate sheltered terraces on either side that have rows of faucets for ablution. A ramp was built on the eastern corner adjoining the marble royal lodge (hünkar mahfili) to allow the sultan enter on his horse. The original Fatih Mosque had two minarets with single balconies. They were rebuilt with two minarets after the earthquake, incorporating the old foundations and the lower shafts. The minarets were refurbished in empire style during the 19th century; their stone spires were replaced by lead spires in 1965, with no alteration to the balconies. The mosque is currently under restoration to repair damage caused by the earthquake on August 18, 1999.

FATIH KÜLLİYESİ (BUILDING COMPLEX OF FATİH)
Fatih Külliyesi which was built at the same time with the Fatih Mosque is composed of a school (mektep), library, 16 classes (medrese), a hospice (imaret), an inn (kervansaray), a clinic (tabhane), an asylum (darüşşifa) and a bath (hamam). The schools are at the south and north side of the mosque and are named as the Black Sea school, the Mediterranean Sea school, Başkurşunlu school and Çifteayakkurşunlu school. These schools are composed of 19 cells, one classroom, and four toilets. Schools are encircled with porches and they have courtyards with fountains. Porch domes do not have hoops.

The hospice is on the wide west part of the clinic’s courtyard. It is made out of thick stone walls. Its plan could not have been found but it is understood from the ruins that there were two domes with windows and a wall connecting these. The inn is at the south-eastern corner of the clinic’s courtyard. The entrance supposed to be located at the beginning of the way from Public Library opening to Nakşidil Tomb.

The clinic is in the south-eastern part of the mosque. The clinic is a structure which is separated from the surrounding walls of the mosque with a road and its surrounding walls cover the hospice and the inn with the dimensions of 64x43 meter rectangle. Entrance is from the west.

The Bursa arch shows that the saloon was a big open antechamber (eyvan) with 5.5 meters wide and 7 meters high . At both sides of the antechamber there were two rooms which have stoves and connected to each other with inner doors. The hole which is just in front of the saloon have two domes on both left and right sides is uncovered to give the impression of a kind of side antechamber. The big dome with an open antechamber was used in the summers, the two rooms upstairs were used in winter times and namaz place with two domes, and with antechambers were used to put goods of the guests.

Library
The original library was located in a separate building which no longer exists today. The present library building was built in 1742, and the remaining collection of the old library was carried to the new library. The existing manuscript collection of the library was also carried to the Süleymaniye Manuscript Library in 1956. Currently, the old architectural fabric of the library is undergoing restoration.

The Black Sea and Mediterranean Madrasas
Sixteen madrasas, arranged in two rows of four to the northeast and southwest of the mosque area, are called the Black Sea (Karadeniz Medreseleri) and Mediterranean (Akdeniz Medreseleri) Madrasas. Each medrese complex is composed of four senior madrasas that abut the mosque precinct and four junior madrasas (tetimme medreseleri) placed behind them. Three of the four junior madrasas on the Black Sea Complex have been rebuilt at different points in time, while the junior madrasas of the Mediterranean complex have been demolished to give way to highway expansion in 1928. The Mediterranean madrasas were modified further in 1958 when the walls of the senior madrasas were excavated to match the street level.

Each senior madrasa has nineteen domed rooms, a large classroom (dersane) and two service eyvans protected by a domed arcade enclosing a rectangular courtyard. Their classrooms have mihrab niches and are distinguished with ornamental brickwork on window exteriors. The junior madrasas are of equal length but are lower and less wide than the senior madrasas. They have ten rooms each with a flat-roofed arcade on two or three sides of a long and thin courtyard. The portals of all eight madrasas face the mosque and their arcades have been glazed for contemporary use.

The Hospital and the Hospice Precincts (The Hospice, Soup Kitchen and the Caravanserai)
The hospital (darüssifa) and the hospice (tabhane) had their own enclosed precincts to the southwest of the mosque and the madrasas. The hospital, that is no longer extant, was probably destroyed in the 1766 earthquake; its site has been taken up by housing. It was built on a square plan, with rooms of various sizes around a courtyard with a domed arcade.

The hospice has survived to our day with some rebuilding in the 19th century when it was converted to a madrasa. It boasts a rectangular courtyard building with a forecourt to the northwest. It has ten single-bay rooms on all four sides of the arcaded courtyard, double-bay spaces on either end of the northeast and southwest wings and a large domed eyvan placed on axis with the entrance at the center of the southeastern wing. The double-bay rooms on the north and west corners are the hospice kitchens and are accessed only through the forecourt.

The other two are side eyvans that lead into adjoining dining rooms. The large eyvan, ornamented with muqarnas pendentives, has stalactite niches on either side of the entrance and on qibla wall. A set of stairs set into a wall on the southwestern wing leads up to a mezzanine (kursunluk) and storage areas; there is a side entry located next to the stairs. The hospice is constructed of stone, except for portions of the southeastern wall, which was restored in brick and stone.

There was once a soup kitchen (imaret) and a caravanserai (kervansaray) sited along the southwestern wall of the hospice precinct. Little remains of the soup kitchen; it was a small building with three rooms in a U-shaped plan. It provided food twice daily for the guests in the caravanserai, the students of the madrasas and employees of the complex as well as the poor people in the neighborhood.

There were remains of the caravanserai until 1930, it has since been rebuilt with extensions and is used for commercial purposes. It was a long rectangular building consisting of a series of rooms with barrel vaults. Also found in the hospice precinct is a structure built as a police station (karakolhane) by Sultan Mahmud II in 1838 (1254 A.H.) and another to the south of the hospice that was built as a Military High School in 1875 (1292 A.H.)

Library and Kouranic School
The complex had a library (kütüphane) and a Koranic School (mekteb) that were single unit structures located along the precinct walls probably between the Painter's Gate and the Pastry Maker's Gate. The library was lost sometime during the 19th century. The current library of the complex was built in 1742 (1155 A.H.) by Mahmud I and is located to the southwest of the mosque, adjoining the prayer hall. There is no trace of the Koranic School.

Mausolea of Sultan Mehmed II, Gülbahar Sultan and Nakşidil Sultan
Sultan Mehmed II or Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror (30 March 1432 - 3 May 1481). Sultan Mehmet II also known as el-Fatih, "the Conqueror" in Ottoman Turkish; in modern Turkish, Fatih Sultan Mehmet; also called Mohammet II in early modern Europe was Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Rum until the conquest) for a short time from 1444 to September 1446, and later from February 1451 to 1481. At the age of 21, he conquered Constantinople and brought an end to the Byzantine Empire, absorbing its administrative apparatus into the Ottoman state.

The mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed, built by Sultan Bayezid II in 1482, is found within the Fatih Mosque Complex. This grand marble mausoleum is crowned with a ten-sided dome, and its interior is elaborately decorated with gold and silver.

It is in the tomb of Sultan Mehmed The Conqueror and located in the Mosque of Fatih. The first tomb was built in front of altar, but it was destroyed in the earthquake in 1766. The new tomb was erected on the foundation of the first one. Its door frame was renovated and a verse and a piece of the Koran were written on it by the order of Sultan Abdülhamid I, in 1784.

The large and excavated eaves outside the tomb are in the baroque style, belong to the end of 18th century and beginning of 19th century. Fatih Tomb was repaired again in 1865, in the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, golden drawings and sash windows were made.

The two royal tomb, located in the cemetery behind the qibla wall of mosque, were rebuilt on their stone bases following the earthquake of 1766. The tomb of Mehmed II is a decagonal building covered by a dome. The corners of the decagon are marked with pilasters on the exterior and the walls are capped with a rococo cornice. Entered through a low vestibule to the northeast, the tomb remains as it was restored during the rule of Abdülaziz I (1861-1876).

The tomb of Gülbahar Sultan is a hexagonal domed unit and houses the tombs of Gülbahar, the wife of Sultan Mehmed II, one of their daughters and two other palace members. In 1817, a third large tomb was built in the cemetery for Nakşidil Sultan, mother of Sultan Mahmud II (1808-1839), in the contemporary empire style. The cemetery, which holds graves of many significant people, was also enclosed at this time.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



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

DOLMABAHÇE PALACE MUSEUM / MABEYN-I HÜMAYUN

Dolmabahçe, Beşiktaş - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'19.7"N 28°59'58.3"E / 41.038806, 28.999528



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

MABEYN-I HÜMAYUN

The Mabeyn where the sultan conducted affairs of state is the most important section in terms of function and splendour. The entrance hall known as the Medhal Salon, the Crystal Staircase, and the Süfera Salon where foreign ambassadors were entertained prior to audience with the sultan in the Red Room are all decorated and furnished in a style reflecting the historical magnificence of the empire. These apartments include a magnificent hamam faced with Egyptian marble, a study and drawing rooms.

Mabeyn-i Humayun is where state affairs take place and the most important and also prominent section in terms of function and splendor. There is very large hall at the entrance, a crystal staircase and other decorative elements to impress the visitors. A couple of large halls upstairs decorated with crystal chandeliers, Hereke carpets and fireplaces, and a fine imperial Hamam ( Bath ) decorated with Egyptian alabaster are other impressive parts of the Selamlik section.

SULTANATE DOOR

GPS : 41°02'20.9"N 28°59'54.4"E / 41.039136, 28.998439

PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

There are two main gates of Dolmabahçe Palace’s landside. Sultanate (ceremony) Door and Treasury Door. Sultanate Door is bigger and more magnificent. The door’s main feature is its being concave both from inside and outside. There are five more mansion doors of the palace. The middle one is bigger and ornate compared to the others. It is across to the Muayede Hall. Also, there are seven secondary enterance doors in the palace.

The gate used by the Sultan and other high ranking officials to enter and exit the Palace is referred to the “Binek” Gate, (the Entrance Gate). Sultan used this gate for unofficial, daily comings and goings, whereas he used the Medhal Hall gate to leave for, or return from official, religious ceremonies or rites. In case Sultan intended to make a land trip, one of his royal carriages (landau or brougham) would be ready in front of the gate of the Entrance Hall. If he decides to make a boat trip with a caique (a traditional boat), then the gate facing the Bosphorus Strait would be used. These two gates were also used by the Palace officials when entering and leaving the palace.

TREASURY DOOR

GPS : 41°02'17.1"N 28°59'49.3"E / 41.038070, 28.997040

Treasury Door is located at the Clock Tower side and combines Muhafızlar and Eski Mefruşat houses. It look magnificent with its huge size and ornements. It is the main enterance with epigraph and sultan’s signature (tuğra).

MEDHAL HALL (Main Entrance)

A visit to the Dolmabahce Palace begins at the Medhal Hall. The word “Medhal” means “entry” in Turkish. From the Medhal hall, several rooms facing both the Bosphorus and the land sides, can be accessed. At the entrance, Medhal Salon welcomes the visitors, Crystal Stairs provides the connection with the upper floor, and Sufera (ambassadors) Salon is the guest room where the ambassadors were entertained and Red Room is where they were admitted by the sultan and it is all decorated and furnished to emphasize the historical splendor of the Empire.

Rooms facing the Bosphorus were used by leading Ottoman officials, the Grand Vizier and several other state ministers, while the rooms facing the land were used by various administrators of the palace and state officials such as the Palace Marshall, Sheikhulislam (the leading religious authority), and members of the House of Representatives (Meclis-i Mebusan), and the Senate (Meclis-i Ayan). Guests who were invited to attend a ceremony or a meeting in the palace, would first wait in this hall and then would be led inside at a proper time by a palace protocol officer.

Upon entering the Medhal hall, visitors will see on either side of the room the Boulle tables which bear the monogram of Sultan Abdulmecid who commissioned the palace. The Royal monogram of the Sultan is also repeated in the plates on the fireplace, in the dark blue Sévres vases, and over the doors. The English chandelier hanging in the middle of the room has sixty arms. The large porcelain vases standing to the right and left were manufactured in Yildiz Tile and Porcelain factory located in Istanbul. The Hereke fabrics used as upholstery for the furniture and as draperies, are in the Royal shade of red.

ENTRANCE HALL

Geometric panels was used to partition the ceiling over the oval room. The European fireplace with its pink background is flanked on either side by two consoles that bases a pair of French opal vases bearing the Baccarat mark and the date 1869. On each side of the hall, there are symmetrical baroque style staircases, one leads to the rear court garden, and the other lead the way to the basement facing the beautiful Bosphorus.

The Hall was decorated with white lacquered, neo-classic style furniture. Hereke carpets and rugs were used for the upholstery and draperies. The 45 square meter Hereke carpet is made of wool representing the perfection of Gordes knotting technique. Upon leaving the Entrance Hall, on the right we come across a room that was used as the office of the chief aide-de-camp during the Second Reform Period. The second room was used by his assistants. The Turkish History Association used this second room as an office during the early days of the Republic.

THE SECRETARIAT’S ROOM

As visitors walk from the Medhal hall to the right, they come to a second room, the Clerk’s Hall, also referred as the “Tiled Room”. Hanged on the left wall is the largest painting of the Palace collection; a depiction of the “Surre Procession” painted by Stefano Ussi in 1887. The word “surre”, which actually means coin purse, bag, or sack, was used to refer to the caravan organized right from the early years of the Ottoman Empire, that traveled from Istanbul to Mecca during the religious month of Recep, carrying financial aid used to support the maintenance and decoration of the Kaaba, and to provide help to the local population of Hecaz.

On the wall to the right is a painting signed by Austrian artist, Rudolph Ernest, depicting the fire at the Paris Municipal Theatre, and on the opposite wall there is another painting depicting a Dutch girl by Delandre. Decorated with French style furniture, this room has very valuable porcelain vases some of which manufactured in Istanbul factories and others originated from far east and Russia.

The first room to the right as visitors leave the Clerk’s hall is the room used by the Chief Secretary of the Palace during the Second Reform Period. A gilded French clock stays on a mirrored console in front of the room. As visitors exit the Chief Secretary room, they come to the Clerk’s Room used by the clerks under the Chief Secretary. On the wall hangs a rug depicting the borders of the Ottoman Empire at the close of the 19th century.

CRYSTAL STAIRCASE

PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The baroque style staircase, leading from the official entry gate to the Palace’s upper sections, has a beautiful crystal balustrade, and topped by a large Baccarat crystal chandelier. This is why it was called the “Crystal staircase”. It is also called “Staircase of Sultanate”. As visitors ascend the crystal staircase they reach to the entrance of Sufera (Ambassadors) hall. The ivory and silver candelabra, incense holder standing in front of the door, was a gift of Ahmed Ratib Pasha, the governor of the Hejaz in Saudi Arabia, to Sultan Abdulhamid II.

A protocol staircase in harem which provides a passage from Harem to Entrance hall and Muayede (Grand Ceremonial) Hall. Sultan used this staircase after the religious ceremonies taking place at the Muayede Hall, on the way to the Blue Hall in the Harem where he greeted his family, and Harem members for the religious festivity. The staircase, in line with its function, is ornamented with cross vault, and illuminated by a French Baccarat chandelier, so gorgeous with its red crystal glass covers.

THE ROOMS OF THE CROWN PRINCE

Leading from the Sufera Hall are two small chambers located on the Bosphorus side of the Palace. These rooms were set aside for the use of the Crown Prince.

ZULVECHEYN HALL (THE PRIVY CHAMBER)

Two private apartments at the Dolmabahce Palace were allocated to private use of the ruling Sultan. One of these was in the administrative (men’s or mabeyn) side of the Palace, while the other was located in the family quarters, the Harem. These rooms were called ” Hunkar “, or ” Hususi ” (privy) apartments. The ruling Sultan used these apartments as a daily office area and a place to receive his guests, dine, rest, and bathe as well.

The private apartment in the administrative wing included the ” Zulvecheyn ” hall. The word “zulvecheyn” is an Arabic word which means “double fronted”. This name was given to this hall due to fact that it is situated adjacent to both Administrative and and the Harem quarters.

Zulvecheyn Hall was sometimes used for very important receptions. Some of the traditional fast-breaking dinners were given here during the month of Ramadan, and traditional Ramadan evening prayer, “Teravih” was also held in this room. Instructive religious classes were held here just before breaking the fast, prominent religious figures were called upon to elucidate on religious matters to the Sultan.

The most significant decorative aspect of this hall is undoubtedly the parquet floor which reflect exquisite workmanship and work of art. On each side of the door are consoles embellished with Istanbul mother-of-pearl relief. These consoles were moved here from the Ciragan Palace. A gilded table with legs carved with the relief of mythological animal figures, holds a dark blue Sérves vase. The tops of the small tables in front of the couches along the wall facing the sea are made of “malachite”. This is one of the rare examples of such excessive use of a such precious stone.

SULTAN’S ROOM

This room was used by the Sultans as a private chamber where they dined, prayed, and received their personal guests. However, between the years 1922-1924, Caliph Abdulmecid used this chamber as a music room. Inside there is a painting signed by Caliph Abdülmecid himself, depicting the dethronement of Sultan Abdulhamid II. Other significant items found in the room, are the collection of classical western music notes stored in the built-in-closet, and the portrait of Pierre Loti hanging over the console.

ATATÜRK ROOM
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spent the last days of his life in the palace as his health deteriorated. He died at 9:05 a.m. on November 10, 1938, in a bedroom, located in the former Harem section of the palace. All the clocks in the palace were stopped and set to 9:05 after his death. Although this has changed recently and the clocks outside of his room are now set to the actual time in Turkey, the clock in the room where he died is still pointing to 9:05 a.m.

PASSAGEWAY TO THE HAREM

The passageway connects six interconnecting corridors and two halls and has a total of eight doors, two of which are made of steel. The passageway leads to the Sultan’s apartment where palace functionaries, called “musahib” (gentlemen-in-waiting) maintained continual watch. The walls of the passageway are decorated with several paintings signed by Ottoman and foreign artists.

CALIPH ABDULMECID LIBRARY

Next to Zulvecheyn hall is a room used as a private library by Caliph Abdulmecid. In addition to the collection of books written in Ottoman language, the library contains books in many other languages, French, German and English. On the walls, some photographs and a self-portrait painted by Caliph Abdulmecid himself, are hanging.

STUDY ROOM

This room was used by the Sultan to take a short break, and relax for a while amidst his works. The floor is covered with parquet in honeycomb design. Lyre-shaped chairs and the Neo-classical Berger seating arrangements are of interest. This room was also referred as the “Bird Room” , both because it overlooks the palace’s aviary and because its drapery cornices are decorated with bird relief. The tile stove in the room was made by Hardmunt. The room contains various musical instruments of which the most significant is the Steinway piano made in 1911. This piano bears the monogram of Caliph Abdulmecid.

THE SULTAN’S TURKISH HAMAM (BATH)

PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The entrance door of the bath was decorated on either side by Bohemian crystal sconces. Sultan’s Bath is made up of three interconnecting rooms. The first room which as also called the “cool” room, is the changing room where Sultan undresses and rests after bathing. The heating stove in the room is decorated with ceramic plates in Baroque style. To the right of the door is a hanging French made pendulum brass clock.

The door leading to the second area of the bath is covered with red broadcloth bearing the monogram of Sultan Abdulmecid. This monogram signifies that; ” one is entering an area that is private to that of the Sultan”. This door leads to the “warm” section of the bath, in which there are two chambers. The first is called the hot changing area was also used for resting. Next to this is the main chamber of the bath; the “hot section”.

The walls of the hot changing area and the hot section are covered with Egyptian Alabaster marble which has a translucent quality while the floor is covered with Marmara marble. The ceiling is in a ship vaulting style, which has been covered by a glass and steel construction framed with steel. The ceilings of the cool and the warm rooms have the light piercing “elephant eye” openings used in the domes of traditional Turkish baths. The bath was heated by a system located underneath the floor called stoke pit method.

MEMORIAL HALL

The last chamber in the Sultan’s apartments which was used as a passageway, is located in between the Harem and the Grand Ceremonial Hall. Today this chamber is referred to as the “Memorial Hall” because of the portraits of Sultan Abdülmecid, who commissioned this palace, his father, Sultan Mahmud II, his brother Sultan Abdülaziz, and Sultan Mehmed Reşad V. The walls are also decorated with Ottoman coats-of-arms that were embroidered with a variety of techniques.

On the table is a German / Berlin KPM (Royal Porcelain Manufacture) vase, a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who visited Istanbul three times. On one face of the vase is a portrait of Wilhelm, and on the other face there is depiction of Pos tame Place. The other german vase has the portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm I. In addition to these two vases, there are also two bronze sculptures of two emperors; Wilhelm I of Germany, and Franz Joseph of Austria.

DINING HALL BY CARIYES

In the last years of the Ottoman Empire, this room was used as a dining hall by cariyes (maids-in-waiting). Today this room is being as an exhibit hall where some of the valuable items selected from seven thousand items that make up the palace collection, are on exhibit.

SUPPLY DEPOT

This hall was used as pantry/supply depot of the palace. Today, this hall is being used as an exhibition hall where some of the personal items of the Sultans are on exhibit. Especially precious dinner service sets are flash, made of gold, silver, gold plated, porcelain, crystal, and many other precious metals.

MESCIT AND RESTING ROOM

The word “Mescit” refers to a section of a house or a building which is used for Islamic ritual of worship (namaz). The Mescit room of the Dolmabahce Palace is quite unostentatious, yet very stylishly decorated. On the right wall is a panel bearing the “Besmele” (inscription meaning: “In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful”). Other walls are also decorated by several calligraphic works of Sultan Abdulmecid. The brilliant chandelier is made of Italian Murano glass.

In front of the “Mihrab”, the niche indicating the direction to Mecca, Kaaba (the direction for worship), stand two Ottoman “rahle”, Qu’ran reading stands, and prayer rug handmade in Khorasan. The English clock standing between the two windows has a walnut case. Next to mescit is the room for resting. Here, blue is the main color which was used in the furniture and drapes. The table, adorned with fruit baskets, is an example of the fine workmanship of Italian Petre Dure’s stone repoussé art.

GLASS PAVILION

GPS : 41°02'24.7"N 28°59'57.9"E / 41.040191, 28.999421

PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

Smith  as of 1852 he had helped procure materials from foreign countries for the palace, and had worked especially on the monumental staircase and its roofng can be traced in the documents. Finally, in the years 1853-1854, he built the Dolmabahçe Palace Camlı Köşk (Glass Pavilion) and the Alay Pavilion for Sultan Abdülmecid. Camlı
Köşk was realized as a viewing pavilion that allowed the Sultan to see the street.

The winter garden that gave its name to this special pavilion must have been an annex suggested by Smith. This köşk is the only structure opening onto the outside world beyond the palace. The light structure of the conservatory of Camlı Köşk contrasts strikingly with the heavy and blind structure of the rest of the building, as if designed to place the two architectural techniques side by side to achieve the most startling impact.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : National Palaces Administration

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : millisaraylar@tbmm.gov.tr
Phone : +90 212 236 9000
Fax : +90 212 2593292

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

AZİZİYE HAMAMI since 1860

Kadıköy - Istanbul - Turkey

GPS : 40°59'39.2"N 29°01'34.3"E / 40.994222, 29.026194



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The Aziziye Hamam was built during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz in 1860. This historical structure is a classic example of 19th century Ottoman architectural style. It is designed as a double bath, consisting of two identical buildings, one being for women and the other for men, with seperate entrances.

Traditionally, Aziziye Hamam has hot, cool and steam rooms, the navel stone, dressing and resting rooms. Bath floors are tiled with Turkish marbles which has good heat distribution qualities. The boiler room was untouched, as opposed to most of the Turkish baths build during later, runs on firewood which changes the overall experience. The Aziziye Hamam is a classic example of 19th century Ottoman style. It was built in 1860 and designed as a double bath, one for men and the other for women.

The exterior is nothing to write home about but do not let this put you off as the inside of the hamam is to die for. Look out for the gorgeous tiling and the cleanliness of the bath. You need bring nothing with you as everything is provided. You are scrubbed by your own sex, so no discomfort needs be felt. All you need to worry about is how amazing you will feel afterwards.

The bathroom and sauna is located on the first floor, you pass through the shower and massage compartment and you wash yourself in the middle section. You then move onto the sauna area to soak your pores for around 10-15 minutes depending on how long you can last in the sauna! Once you’re out you wash yourself again to remove sweat and dead skin. Your masseuse will come and find out and then take you back to the first section to complete your scrub and massage.

This is the place to go to experience a traditional Turkish hamam, one that you’ll find the locals frequenting. As with everything in Turkey, there is no rushing you out of the door as soon as your experience is over, you are welcome to stay and relax and soak up the history. In fact linger and pour yourself with hot and cold water to your hearts content.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Aziziye Hamamı

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info@aziziyehamam.com
Phone : +90 212 349 1465 / +90 212 449 0613

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved. 

SULTANAHMET HAMAMI since 1710

Sultanahmet, Fatih - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°00'30.0"N 28°58'32.0"E / 41.008333, 28.975556

The Historical Sultanahmet Hamamı was built in the 17 th century as a hamam. The hamam is tastefully renovated without changing the architectural specialities. Each top of the hamam was built in a different style.

Our services include : Washing, peeling, soup massage, locked clothes changing cabin, towel (peştemal), slippers (takunya)

Our hamam has two sections. First section is for the families both ladies and men where they can get inside and enjoy our hamam. The second one is only for the ladies. Our masseurs (tellaks) are, trined and proffesional people. We have male and female masseurs.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Sultanahmet Hamamı

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-mail : info@sultanahmethamami.com
Phone : +90 212 513 7204

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

SOFULAR HAMAMI

Aksaray, Fatih - İstanbul Turkey

GPS : 41°00'49.5"N 28°56'55.5"E / 41.013750, 28.948750



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The Turkish bath located in Sofular Neighborhood derives its name from Sofular Mosque. The hamam is located where Sofular Avenue and Molla Hüsrev Avenue cross. Across the Turkish bath are Molla Hüsrev Mosque and Sofular Mosque while Bıçakcı Alaeddin Mosque is a little at the back. The Turkish bath which is still active is double and endowed by Sultan Bayezid II.

Sultan Bayezid II had this place constructed to provide an income for the kulliye in Edirne. In the middle of glasshouse there are a fountain pool and two flat locker rooms, and a wooden torch on the roof. There are three boxes for washing glove and a warm private room on the right of the warm room.

The top of the private rooms were covered with a dome. The top of the warm room is vaulted roof. There is one bench on the right and left of the hot room and the top of this place is covered with glass arch. The sides of the domes of the private rooms are shaped and the top of the sofa are vaulted roof.

Sofular Hamam is a brilliant Turkish bath which has octagonal navel stone under the big dome in the middle. The original form of the Turkish bath burnt out in the fire in Cibali in 1833.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Sofular Hamamı

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-mail : jagrolet@gmail.com
Phone : +90 212 521 3759 / +90 212 521 7050

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

AĞA HAMAMI since 1454

Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'59.1"N 28°58'54.9"E / 41.033083, 28.981917



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The Historical Ağa hamamı (turkish bath) was constructed by Fatih Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Ağa Turkish bath was used as a private hamam by Mehmed the Conqueror and his sons. At that time, Beyoglu District was not a settlement area and the Padishahs would come to Beyoglu District for hunting. Mehmed the Conqueror constructed this building as a hunting house in 1454.

Ağa hamamı was designed as a hamam below the two flats above. It underwent a large-scale renovation in 1844 by Sultan Abdülmecid. It was used by the Sultans and their sons until the final years of the Ottoman Empire.

With the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the Ottoman Empire ended. In those days a Armenian woman bought the Ağa hamamı (turkish bath) and it first opened to public. She decided sold the Ağa hamamı to Huseyin Yilmaz. Due to his old age, Huseyin Yilmaz sold it to his nephew Ali Yilmaz in May 1974 after thirty four years of operation. The last renovation was in 1986 by Ali Yilmaz. It serves only tourists mixed hamam in istanbul for over ten years.

It is a three-floor building sitting on a 650 sqm of land. The first two floors were built as the house and the entrance floor as the Ağa Hamamı. The exterior and the top of hammam (a skylight dome with round frames) were designed to receive the daylight from sunrise to sunset.

The hammam has a 250 sqm section at the back to heat it. In those years this section was named "kulhan". This building was influenced by the classic era that began at the end of the 15th century. Many buildings that were constructed by Fatih Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror right after the Conquest of Constantinople followed this trend.

The internal structure consists of sections called "soyunmalık, ılıklık and sıcaklık" (changing rooms and the sections for warming up and heating up respectively). Apart from these sections, the installations section takes up a huge room. This section consists of the water reservoir, kulhan and cehennemlik (literally "hell room"). The most voluminous spaces in Ağa Hamamı are usually the changing rooms. The house and the hammam have very high ceilings which extend up to 3.5 meters. High ceilings are the most prominent features of historical buildings.

Cold Halvet (Private Small Room)
It is the first entrance section of the hamam, it is not a very hot section. It is the section used to cool off when it becomes uncomfortably hot for you.

Hot Section (Inside Of Hamam) And Center Stone
This is the section mainly used by tourists. It is the bathing and sweating section. It contains the center stone which is heated from below. You can lie on it and relax.

Hot Halvet
Consists of two small rooms. Only used for bathing. Each room has three kurnas (marble tubs in which hot and cold water from two taps are mixed). It is one of the hottest sections.

Külhan (Furnace)
This is the section from which the hamam is heated. The Ağa hamam has been heated with traditional methods for years. It is heated by wood fire. Woods are lit in the kulhan section and the heat circulates under the hamam. While many hamams in Istanbul are heated with natural gas, the Ağa hamam is heated by wood fire, which allows experiencing a privilege in heat. Heat provided by natural gas can never be the same as that of wood fire.

Entrance
Welcome to Ağa hamamı. Choose the pack you desire at the entrance, go into the room exclusively for you, wrap around your pestemal, lock up your room and go let yourself enjoy the comfort on marble.

Kese (special bath glove)
It is a cleaning method which has been used since the initial years of Ottoman Empire. Your skin gets softer as the result of perspiration in the hamam, with the help of a kese dead skin is removed and skin pores are opened.

Foam Bath
It is a method used to clean the body following the kese process. Leave yourself into the hands of the masseur/masseuse and feel the comfort. Experiencing this feeling at the Aga hamam is a privilege.

Oil Massage
Oil massage is a type of massage known worldwide. It was first applied by the Chinese three thousand years ago. Massage is applied to ease pains, reduce swellings, relax muscles and to accelerate recovery from contraction and sprain resulting from injury. Contrary to popular belief, massage does not prevent weakening of muscle strength. It is a very old method for relaxing and recreation. We offer to you the oil massage with the Turkish bath (hamam) culture.

Face Mask
Ağa Hamamı apply face mask to clean face after Hamam. Skin pores will be clean and open in the hamam. if you get face mask, your face will be soft and cleaner.

Exit
While you exit the hamam, we change your pestemal and towel, then you go into your room and put on your clothes. We also recommend you to let your soul have a rest at our oriental corner with a Turkish tea.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Ağa Hamamı

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : huseyin@agahamami.com
Phone : +90 212 249 5027

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

KADIRGA HAMAMI since 1734

Kadırga, Fatih - İstanbul Turkey

GPS : 41°00'19.6"N 28°58'04.6"E / 41.005444, 28.967944



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The bath gets its name from the neighborhood it is located. Yahya Pasha bin Abdulhay, a vizier of Sultan Bayezid II period, had this bath built. He also served as the Grand Seignior of Anatolia and Rumelia. He was the father of renowned raider commander Bali Bey. He died in 1505 or in 1508.

He also donated for the needs of these works. Kadırga Turkish Bath today serves to both sexes. It is written on its gate and inside the bath that it was build Egyptian Governor Yahya Pasha in 1741. It was repaired twice in 1948 and 1952.

It was build out of rubble stones and bricks. In men’s section, a three domed tepidarium is reached after a square designed single domed changing section. Caldarium with three iwans and two private cells is reached from tepidarium. Ladies’ section that cannot be entered is supposed to be in the same design.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Kadırga Hamamı

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : jagrolet@gmail.com
Phone : +90 212 518 1948

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

BÜYÜK HAMAM since 1533

Kasımpaşa, Beyoğlu - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°02'00.2"N 28°58'06.5"E / 41.033389, 28.968472



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

If you are looking for a local hamam turkish bath taste here we are waiting for you. Buyuk Hamam is almost 500 year-old historical turkish bath located just in the heart of the town; istanbul and turkish bath means “Kasımpaşa Büyük Hamam”

Büyük hamam was built in 1533 by Sinan the architect in Kasımpaşa. It is historical old turkish bath that still keeps traditional way.

There are spacious and bright changing places in both women's and men's sections. There is a large and modern swimming pool in the Hammam. This pool is only serving to the men and can be used by paying an extra fee. The magnificence of the bathhouse is unfolded by the 60 marble basins inside.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Büyük Hamam

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info@buyukhamam.net
Phone : +90 212 253 4229 / +90 212 238 9800

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved. 

CAĞALOĞLU HAMAM since 1741

Cağaloğlu, Fatih - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°00'38.6"N 28°58'32.1"E / 41.010722, 28.975583



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The Cağaloğlu Hamam, constructed in 1740-1741, is the last one of the biggest hamam to be built during the Ottoman Empire. It was constructed in Istanbul Fatih, in Alemdar, on Hilal-i Ahmer street as a çifte (double) public hamam to bring revenue for the library of Sultan Mahmud I the first situated inside the mosque of Ayasofya.

When we take a look at the names of the head architects of that time we can say that it was begun by Süleyman Ağa finished by Abdullah Ağa. It is the last example of its kind to be built in Istanbul and is a successful hamam that is still operational in our time. All the architectural beauty of the structure has been kept until today. The hammam still serves as a double bath.

The palace of Nevşehirli Groom Ibrahim Pasha was burnt in 1740 so Cağaloğlu Bath was begun to be constructed in the place of the palace. The entrance of women is placed on the bath street and men’s entrance is on the main street. Also the bath has a feature of being one of the last and biggest baths, because Sultan Mustafa III banned to construct baths due to increase in the need of water.

It is entered through the marble door to the building. The door of the women’s section is on a side street called Hamam while the men's entrance is from the main road with two marble columns with classic stalactite capitals on both sides.

In time when the street was elevated, the men's section is reached by a staircase of 10 steps. The architecture of the door is contrary to eclectic Turkish style. There is an original inscription with a verse of Koran, above the entrance door. On the tablet above the door is a long inscription of 7 lines and 28 verves.

The changing rooms of the men's section are quite spacious and bright. Baroque styled fountain pool in the same section is very striking. There are eight marble columns with graven tops, four cubicle spaces and octagonal middle stone in the square planned hot room (sıcaklık). The hot cubical space is used as sauna at the present. Cold and hot sections were made different way, away from the classical Ottoman architecture, the baroque- style was used in these sections.

In men’s part, dressing section is covered with a large dome but cold section is covered with a small dome. Hot section is covered again a large dome, in the middle of the hot section there is a central stone (göbektaşı) and around it there are many basins (kurna) and halvet. In the middle of the building of bath, a spacious pool which was made of one piece of marble and fountain in the pool which has three floors are placed, these are so beautiful.

The domes are supported by arches and columns. There are eight arches on eight marble columns supporting the dome in the sıcaklık. In the center is the marble göbektaşı, surrounded by halvets in the four corners and three sofas in between. The sofas are covered with semi domes. There is a square garden between the undressing room of the womens' section and the camegah of the mens' section.

The beginning of the camegah and the soğukluk is different from classis plans. The sogukluk is also separated by two columns into three sections. In the middle is a dome. The sıcaklık is the same as in the mens' section. The high and wide camegah is joined to the large dome by segmented corner trumpet-like vault panels. In the middle is a pool with a waterjet of great artistic value.

The windows are placed between the vault panels in threes. On the top of the dome is a lantern for illumination. There is a şirvan in the camegah with rooms for undressing. The soğukluk is entered through a double door from the camegah and is covered with seven barrel vaults and a half sphere small dome.

Cağaloğlu Bath was built three hundred years ago and it has been still standing today also serving to a large number of local and foreign tourists as a double bath. Men’s part is open from 8 to 10, while women’s part is open from 8 to 8. There is a restaurant-bar at the entrance of the men's section. Reservation required for dinner.

According to your wishes, you can use your own materials or materials found here. In addition, you can both see a historical structure and spend time in the beautiful bath.

These double baths in which only the changing-rooms have been changed since 1969-1971 now consist of two parts, one of women and the other for men in a 2834 sq.m area.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Cağaloğlu Hamamı

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info@cagalogluhamami.com.tr
Phone : +90 212 522 2423 / +90 212 522 2424
Fax: +90 212 512 8553

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

KILIÇ ALİ PAŞA HAMAM since 1583

Tophane, Beyoğlu - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'34.2"N 28°58'49.6"E / 41.026167, 28.980444



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

According to the history books he was originally from Italian Origin, once a slave on board a ship over which he eventually became Captain assuring his rise to fame and fortune. He was one of the 16th century’s Greatest Admirals who played a Key Role in The Ottoman Fleet’s Mediterranean Victories due to his keen intelligence and navigational skills.

Mimar Sinan the legendary Architect of that period was commissioned by “Kılıç Ali Paşa” to build the Hamam to withstand the ravages of the sea and time. The large light, Magnificient Dome above the Camegah (relaxation area) is 14 metres across and 17 metres high one of the largest single domes built by Sinan in 1583.

The sympathetic and painstaking restoration over 7 years retained many of the original features including the 2 doors leading from the reception and relaxation area into the warm areas.

The features of the Külhan (Chimney/exhaust), the leaded domes and the glass elephant eyes along with brick by brick repointing, original Kurnas and some carved stone and marble slabs found during excavation have been retained and used within the premises adding to its extreme historical beauty and interest.

The Hamam Ritual

Kese
"Scrub" without soap is performed by a man/woman called a Tellak/Natır. A technique that requires experience so that no ‘skin scrapes’ arise. Many of these families pass this tradition from father to son, and can trace their origins in this profession a long way.

The job is one performed with the attitude of honour and dignity, hence the great pride they have for doing the job exceptionally well and receiving a tip that demonstrates your approval and pleasure. Tellak/Natır will then rinse off with warm water and start the Köpük (bubbly soap wash). No massage is done so no joints are put under strain of any kind.

Camegah
Relaxation and changing area. Large sofa’s tables and chairs allow Hamam guests to relax after their treatment in the serenity and splendour of this high domed area that receives and directs guests to their changing rooms and Hamam treatments.

The Hamam is used to restore energy and vitality to the body by reducing the toxins, and allowing the skin to breathe again. For some time after the treatment the body will continue to detox. It is the Cemagah area that allows you to sit, relax and enjoy the serenity of this building, drink, have a light snack before getting dressed and continuing your daily routine.

To compliment and complete our Hamam Complex, we have a Massage area where experienced professionals can give you a fabulous signature massage to leave you feeling well balanced and energetic.

The Cafe & Retail Shop
Offer local Turkish drinks and fresh daily snacks of the season, to restore your vitality before you continue your journey or visit our Hamam for a traditional treatment. We keep a limited range of items, many exclusive to us as they were made for our use in the Hamam. Interesting and useful, we hope to keep interest high with our minimalist approach allowing you to browse at leisure.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info@kilicalipasahamami.com
Phone : +90 212 393 8010
Fax : +90 212 393 8001

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

MAHMUTPAŞA HAMAM since 1466

Mahmutpaşa, Fatih - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°00'43.5"N 28°58'12.0"E / 41.012083, 28.970000

About 250 metres down Mahmut Paşa Yokuşu, we come to a turning on the left where we see an imposing domed building. The hamam, built in 1466 (871 A.H.), is located on the Mahmud Paşa highway leading up to the mosque. This was originally part of the Mahmut Paşa Complex, and, as always in these interdependent pious foundations, its revenues went to the support of the other institutions in the complex.

It consists of an entrance hall with latrines, a cold-room (soğukluk) and a hot-room (sıcaklık). The soğukluk is a truly monumental room covered by a dome with spiral ribs and a huge semidome in the form of a scallop shell; on each side are two square cubicles with elaborate vaulting.

The hararet is octagonal with five shallow oblong niches, and in the crossaxis there are two domed eyvans, each of which leads to two more private bathing cubicles in the corners.

The entry to the baths is adorned with a grand muqarnas portal beyond which the entrance hall looms large with its tall dome measuring 27 meters in diameter. Entering the smaller cold-room under a demi-dome, the square space with two eyvans and private bathing cells (halvet) is covered with a whorl dome.

Like most of the great hamams, it was originally double, but the women’s section was torn down to make room for the neighbouring han. We enter through a large central hall (17 metres square) with a high dome on stalactited pendentives; the impressive size of the camekân is hardly spoiled by the addition of a modern wooden balcony.

The following hot room has an octagonal navel stone (göbektaşı) at its center under a dome pierced with lights that sits on eight piers. It has five eyvans with taps and basins between the piers and two other eyvans give access to private cells at the four corners of the chamber.

Like all of Mahmut Paşa’s buildings, his hamam is a very handsome and well-built structure. For a time it fell into disuse and then served as a storage depot, but it has been restored and now serves as a market hall.

A han stands today on the site of the women's section that was demolished. The remaining men's section survived damage by fire in 1755 and was restored in 1955.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

MİHRİMAH SULTAN HAMAMI since 1562

Edirnekapı, Fatih - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'43.8"N 28°56'11.6"E / 41.028833, 28.936556



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

It is reported that Sultan Süleyman, the Kanuni, had constructed two large mosques and  education complexes, one in Üsküdar and one in Edirnekapı, ­ naming them after his daughter, Mihrimah Sultan, born to Hürrem Sultan. The interesting thing related to those historical works is that, while the sun is rising behind one minaret of the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Edirnekapı, the moon emerges between the two minarets of the mosque in Üsküdar. Mihrimah is a Persian word, meaning “sun and moon”

The  historical Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, located in Edirnekapı, as a part of the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Education Complex, was, according to historical literature, built between 1562 and 1565 in the form of a double Turkish Bath, according to a design which was common in the classical period. The Mihrimah Sultan Turkish Bath  has a significant role in Turkish bath culture.

Through the mysterious historical background, it is reported to have many health benefits. Today, having undergone transformations, it has become  an essential part of our social and cultural lives. Turkish Bath for centuries, has become a part of our lives, from the point of a healthy lifestyle. Turkish Bath is known to be curing colds and asthmas, preserving the youth and freshness of the skin.

It is a significant requirement for a Turkish Bath that it must be healthy, clean and at necessary temperature. Infrastructure is very important in a high quality Turkish Bath. Without sacrificing quality, you may just visit Mihrimah Sultan Bath in order to enjoy the pleasure coming through the mysterious depths of history.

In Turkish lifestyle, bathes are not just a place to wash up, but also a center for medical, social and cultural activities. Use of water, one of the essential needs of living things, for medical purposes, caused construction of baths, spas or similar facilities. The Turkish Baths, being one of such structures, particularly satisfies bathing and cleansing requirements of the people. In addition to this,  the architectural construction of baths changed according to dominant religion and social life.

The word Turkish Bath (Hamam) means bath in Arabic (Hammam) and hot in Hebrew (Hamam). Hamam, could shortly be defined as “a place dedicated to washing up, cleaning and healing”

One  of the structures of Turkish civilian architecture, which is important but not sufficiently emphasized, is Turkish baths. They are very important with regard to Turkish cultural history. They imitate mosques with their domes and other design elements.

The interior design and components of these facilities  may be very simple or complicated. Today, there are many Turkish bath ruins dating back to either pre-Ottoman period and Ottoman period.

The Ottomans, caring for the traditions of the Muslim states before them, started constructing public benefit facilities everywhere after they were  autonomous. The important parts of the internal design within the Turkish Baths, which have a special design, are generally dressing rooms, drying and towel changing room and bathing room.

Turkish Bath has a prominent place in the Ottoman culture, in literature, language or daily life. Women and men go to Turkish baths for  washing up.  They are important for socialization of women. There are such traditions as going to bath on Thursday evenings, keeping bathes open all night long the day before feasts this is preserved also today.

The benefits of the vapor bath was known centuries ago. Today,  vapor baths are considered to be a suitable method for  cleaning skin and body, discharging toxins, accelerating blood circulation, stimulating the immune system and to support a holistic physical and mental health. Vapor baths  provide a relaxation. The problems related to muscular pains or arthritis are healed due to relaxing effect of  heat.

The heat also diminishes pains and inflammation. People with asthma and allergic problems have some healing for their respiratory problems since heat expands air  passages. Heat cannot alone treat colds,  but it reduces congestions and helps for a fast recovery. Vapor baths increases the blood flow in the skin and accelerates sweating.

An adult sweats about 1 liter per hour in the Turkish Bath. A good sweating  removes the dirt and dead skin layer, and provides the skin with a healthy brightness. Acute liquid loss causes a reduction in the body water weight. Since this is a temporary condition,  the body will recover its water content by  taking liquids again.

Heat is a treatment agent in many cultures. All functions of the body depends on chemical reactions, which are directly influenced by temperature. This situation is related to its influence on our tissues and health.

Turkish Bath is known to  be helpful for following recoveries :

Colds and asthma related to respiratory system, It is known to be helpful for a fresh skin, In the process of sweating, vapor effectively cleanses the toxins on the surface of the body, Vapor improves the vascular flow, and increases the oxygenation in the cellular level, Vapor bathes are very much effective in the process of removing fats and toxins, Increases blood circulation, Increases metabolic activity, Provides a fresher skin,  Eliminates muscular stress and pain, removes joint blockages, Supports the immune system, Increases lymph system cleansing, Mitigates stress and is relaxative, Mitigates sinus blockings due to cold, asthma or allergic conditions, The heat released by vapor baths is among the treatments used against cancer and infection diseases nowadays.

Such humid and  warm methods  as Turkish Baths and vapor baths are proven to be therapeutic for centuries  in many cultures. Perhaps, the most  interesting example is the encounter of modern therapy with the ancient treatments. Modern treatment methods also employ vapor for treating many ailments. But, Turkish Baths not only provide you with a good vapor, but also with traditional and new treatments, which help them survive centuries. So far, taking bath in Turkish Baths  is aimed for purification, beauty and body tonification.

People also visit these places to recover. Traditional “hair removal”, “bath glove rubbing” and “foam massage” are the most prominent features of a Turkish Bath. In addition to those, clay, seaweed or mud are  other agents used in baths. Herbal remedies (mashed or powder herbs, or honey) are also used. In short, Turkish Baths do not only offer you a cleaning and bath glove rubbing experience, but also with a bodily and spiritual purification, a holistic therapy, massage therapy and beauty. These are medical, social and cultural facilities.

All  ornaments (gold, jewels etc.) and glasses  should be removed. Metal absorbs heat excessively and influences capillary veins, also causing skin rashes and irritation. Contact lenses may cause eye irritation, so they must be removed before starting to bath.

Starting a bath with the stomach full  may cause health problems, so one must stop eating and drinking before starting to wash. Any food taken before bath causes a stress in the circulation system. If you had a big meal, you must wait for one or two hours before starting to wash (as in the case of exercising). In addition to that,   taking a hot bath with a totally empty stomach is not recommended. Turkish Baths consume your energy, as in exercising.

Some people may suffer nausea or fainting. Because of this, also taking into account the symptoms of your body, consider a lower temperature bath with a shorter time. Also, if you feel physically tired, avoid taking a Turkish Bath. Turkish Bath and hot is not good when you are on alcohol. It could even be dangerous.

The customer undresses in the allocated room, wears the waist cloth or short and proceeds to heated platform, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi section. In order to enjoy the mystery of the history and wash up around the large heated platform in the center, we offer you private rooms and halls including marble basins. The customer will feel himself / herself relaxed and peaceful. Our experienced personnel will offer you a customer focused service. You can ask these services from our personnel (glove rubbing and massaging on the heated platform, helping you to wash up after massage etc.)

After sweating up on the heated platform or sauna, the customers are applied a dry massage. After glove rubbing, a foam massage is provided. In the end, after drying up, you can rest in your private rooms.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Mihrimah Sultan Hamamı

MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : info@mihrimahsultanhamami.com
Phone : +90 212 523 0487

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.

ATİK VALİDE SULTAN HAMAM since 1583

Üsküdar - İstanbul - Turkey

GPS : 41°01'04.8"N 29°01'18.2"E / 41.018000, 29.021722



PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM

The Atik Valide Sultan Bath House is right next to the Üsküdar Municipal Building on Üsküdar Square, Hakimiyet-i Milliye Avenue, which runs perpendicular to the seaside.  It also known as Nurbanu Valide Sultan Hamam, which takes the name from the founder. The hamam is built on Eski Topbaşı Road, which also gives another name to the bath, in Üsküdar.

The bath was built for providing income to the complex; however in many other examples in baths, the bath was sold to a private owner; is not belonging to the Waqf anymore. It is a part of a complex but physically it is independent from the complex.

For a long time it was used as a carpenter atelier, but then it was transformed into a bath again. There is no inscription but according to some sources it was built simultaneous with the complex in 1577-79, but according to M. Nermi Haskan's book on baths, it was built in 1583.

The Atik Valide Sultan Bath was known to be in ruins until 1985 and was restored in this year. For a long time it was used as a carpenter atelier, but then it was transformed into a bath again.The hamam is a small one among other Sinan baths. The authenticity is lost by many interventions. Basically, using the place as a carpenter atelier damaged the space. Later interventions, for covering the damaged walls are improper.

Today the bath is a colorful one with lack of original details. The dressing rooms are painted and covered with improper colors and imitative coverings. This causes the loss of bath comprehension. In women part, the original roof in the dressing part is lost and is capped by a reinforced concrete roofing.

This double bath, built for Nurbanu Validei Atik Sultan, was open for public use until 1917. Following its transfer to private ownership, it was restored and reopened as a shopping centre known as Mimar Sinan Çarsısı.

The western façade of the building was shaved off when the street was widened and during this process, the eastern section of the hamam was also torn down and a reinforced concrete structure added added to this part. The bath house is now open to visitors every day of the week except Sundays.

Located to the west of the complex, the baths are composed of a symmetrical arrangement of rectangular units along the northeast-southwest axis. Entered from the northeast, the dressing space is connected to the cold rooms. These are roofed in the center by domes with pendentives and on the sides by mirror vaults.

The hot rooms, located further to the southwest, are roofed by domes. The water storage unit is a rectangular, barrel-vaulted structure attached to the southwest side of the hot rooms. Following a period of use as a wood workshop, the bathes were renovated by the General Directorate of Religious Endowments. Today, the dressing spaces house shops.

LOCATION SATELLITE MAP



WEB SITE : Valide Atik Hamamı

MORE INFO & CONTACT
Phone : +90 216 334 9158

These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2017, respected writers and photographers from the internet. All Rights Reserved.