Fatih Mosque and Complex
Fatih Mosque and Complex
4.5
About
Named for the Ottoman conqueror of Istanbul, this mosque was part of a large religious complex atop one of the city's many hills. Among the other original buildings in the complex were a school, library and hospital.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Fener & Balat
This sleepy and rather socially conservative area of Istanbul hosts a small but thriving Jewish community, the patriarchate of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and some of the most beautiful churches and Christian art in the world. Much of what’s most interesting to witness in Fener and Balat sits between the surviving ancient city walls of Constantinople and the serene shores of the Golden Horn. Despite the many splendid sights, historic attractions, stunning vistas, and warm Turkish welcome, the area remains largely unperturbed by the tourist trade that characterizes the atmosphere in nearby Sultanahmet and around the Grand Bazaar. Travelers that like to explore off the beaten track will reap big rewards for making the effort to visit this low-key part of town.
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4.5
730 reviews
Excellent
535
Very good
163
Average
26
Poor
1
Terrible
5
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sam
Iran131 contributions
Oct 2021
This mosque was the largest example of Islamic Turkish architecture and was considered an important stage in the development of classical Turkish architecture. Fatih Mosque includes a series of well-designed buildings that were built around the mosque. They include a seminary, a library, a hospital, an inn, a bazaar, a Turkish bath, and numerous tombs that were later added. Today, nothing is left of the main mosque in the center of the complex, and the Fatih Mosque you see today was built in the 18th century. The original mosque was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1509, which was rebuilt, but was damaged again by an earthquake in 1557 and 1754, and although its main dome collapsed and its walls were irreparably damaged, it was rebuilt. Was rebuilt. By the order of Sultan Mustafa III in 1767, a new and completely different mosque was built in this place by the architect Mehmet Tahir.
Written 15 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan C
Melbourne, Australia1,539 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
So the Fatih Mosque was the first mosque in Istanbul we visited. We'd had some experience from an Islamic tour in Egypt so we made sure I had a headscarf (actually a sarong), removed shoes and didn't go on a Friday. What we did notice on our first time is how Turkish mosques, at least in winter, had heavy plastic and leather-like curtain doors to keep the inside warm. This mosque is a little away from the main tourist areas of Istanbul but it wasn't too far from our hotel and on the way to the Valens Aqueduct and Sehzade Mosque. There were only a few people there.
This complex dates from 1453 but was rebuilt after earthquakes in the 1700s in a different Baroque design and also restored in the 21st century. It has a central dome and four semi-domes. Tall and impressive it has many leadlight windows and lights suspended from circular supports. The painted decoration is in whites, browns, red and green. There is a marble courtyard surrounded by domed walkways with a fountain for ablutions. From the gardens you can see the multi-domed inn for travelling dervishes and perhaps remains of the old Islamic university that was part of the complex. Also there are boxes and blankets for cats to keep them warm in winter.
This complex dates from 1453 but was rebuilt after earthquakes in the 1700s in a different Baroque design and also restored in the 21st century. It has a central dome and four semi-domes. Tall and impressive it has many leadlight windows and lights suspended from circular supports. The painted decoration is in whites, browns, red and green. There is a marble courtyard surrounded by domed walkways with a fountain for ablutions. From the gardens you can see the multi-domed inn for travelling dervishes and perhaps remains of the old Islamic university that was part of the complex. Also there are boxes and blankets for cats to keep them warm in winter.
Written 1 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
1,212 contributions
Sept 2022
Still in the central district of Fatih but a little further away from the main tourist areas, this is one of the large mosques of the city. The compound is very large, and the mosque itself is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. It was first built shortly after the conquest and Mehmed II is buried nearby, but it was damaged in a fire and rebuilt later in a more modern style. It is definitely worth visiting if you are nearby.
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HFikri
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia583 contributions
Jul 2019
This the major attraction of Istanbul, you did not visit the city if you miss this one, The Mosque it self is a masterpiece of architecture, the surrounding grounds are well maintained and very clean and crowded. Many shops and restaurants around open till late night. Other major attractions just within walking distance.
Written 24 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian
Crema, Italy127 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Fatih Mosque, from an architectural and artistic point of view, can compete with the most famous mosques in the city. What struck me was the authentic atmosphere inside. The moment you move away from the tourist area and visit non-tourist mosques like this, you perceive that the mosque is not only a place of prayer, but also a place of social gathering, where children run and play and adults chat amiably.
Automatically translated
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barcaranger
Andorra la Vella, Andorra2,886 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
A beautiful and large mosque which is certainly very well used in this relatively conservative area which is very close to Sultanahmet. If you really want to see how people live and how they believe be in the area for Friday Prayers just after 1 pm but please don’t take pictures . A truly beautiful building
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Levant
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates2 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
The Fatih Mosque and Complex is a breathtaking historical site that beautifully captures the essence of Ottoman architecture. The intricate designs and the serene atmosphere make it a must-visit in Istanbul. The mosque itself is awe-inspiring, with its grand domes and detailed tile work, while the surrounding complex offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the area. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Istanbul to experience this magnificent piece of history
Written 21 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MMKHAN
Islamabad, Pakistan2,368 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
Its really hitoric place in the world the 2nd largest complex in the city after blue mosque.I have really the visit.
Written 5 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
junior1907
Istanbul, Türkiye195,982 contributions
Name must be 'Dolayoba Velibaba Yeni Camii'
I went to this address indicated at the form,but the name of the mosque is different than in the site.
İt is mo more Fatih Sultan Mehmet Camii
I went to this address indicated at the form,but the name of the mosque is different than in the site.
İt is mo more Fatih Sultan Mehmet Camii
Written 21 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
junior1907
Istanbul, Türkiye195,982 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
This very local mosque is in the vicinity of Dolayoba district of Pendik area,on very northern part.So,this is very far from the center,off touristic route.İt is also difficult to find it out and also very difficult to reach at this place by public transportation bus services.Needs private car...
Written 14 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Islamic I
Doha, Qatar
Can anybody tell me the procedure how i can teach in madrissa of shekh mehmud effendi in islambol türkiye
Written 8 January 2021
Asalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakallahu !!!
Can anyone help me out that how to get bayath from sheik Muhammad effendi?
Written 4 November 2020
is it free to enter ? and for sure they allowed women to enter right ?
Written 10 September 2019
It's free, women are welcome but shoulders, arms, and legs must be covered.
Written 10 September 2019
Hi , can someone tell that Sheikh Mahmud Effendi still resides here ??? And can someone meet himin this mosque ?
Written 29 August 2018
Sheikh Mahmud Efendi does not teach publicly any longer due to his age and illness, he no longer lives in the fatih district of istanbul.
He now resides with his family in beykoz, istanbul. On the same road as the Mahmud Efendi camii.
I was lucky enough to visit him for a brief moment in 2018.
Go to the Mahmud Efendi camii in beykoz and speak to his students there, hopefully you will meet and english speaking or arabic etc student who may assist .
Be aware that the sheikh recently went to hospital for an operation so meeting him may be out of the question, but who knows .
Written 25 August 2020
Hi
Near to which other sight is the Fatih mosque?
Written 18 August 2015
The Kariye Museum (The Chora Church) . A must to see!!
Written 30 September 2019
Hi there,
Just wondering how easy this place is for someone with limited walking ability. We read it is at the top of a hill, so can people be dropped off at the door or would we have to walk up the hill? Do you remember if there were places to sit occasionally? I presume this is a working mosque so has all the normal call to prayer times.
thanking you in advance
John
Canada
Written 18 January 2015
Dear John,
I am not sure about the accesses, as I did not pay attention to that, but as the lady just mentioned, it is uphill, on a pedestrian street, but not far from the main street. You can always rest on a cafe, something I did while my wife was visiting the Wednesday bazar.
I am sorry couldn't help much, but for sure you will enjoy this part of the city, people are very nice, and the area too,
All the best
Wissam
Written 19 January 2015
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