MOSQUE OF BEYAZIT II (BEYAZIT KÜLLIYESI)
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The oldest imperial sanctuary in the city, the mosque of Beyazıt is the first illustration of the central dome shape counter-butted by two half-domes. You can admire a kind of synthesis of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Located on the ruins of the Theodosius Forum, this mosque is pleasant to visit and somewhat changes from the classic Ottoman architectural canons. This is the second imperial complex of mosques built in Istanbul after the Ottoman takeover of Constantinople. This complex was built between 1501 and 1506 for the Sultan Beyazıt II (1482-1512), son of Sultan Mehmed. Composed of a mosque, a medersa, a popular refectory (which now houses a library), a caravanserai, a school, a hammam and mausoleums, the külliye has been damaged by various earthquakes and has undergone several repairs and restoration. In a style inspired by Saint Sophia, the large prayer room is topped by a dome resting on four large square pillars, counterbalanced by two half-domes. Other elements, such as the columns and buttresses that support the domes, are inspired by the Fatih Mosque. The side naves are connected to the central space by two large arches that were originally dervish convents. Today, note that this mosque is a high gathering place for the city's fundamentalists. Impressive during the Friday prayer.
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