Shahzade Mosque in Istanbul
Shahzade Mosque, also known as Şehzade Camii in Turkish, is an Ottoman mosque built during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The term "Shahzade" is of Persian origin, meaning "Prince," and the mosque holds great historical and religious significance.
Location: Shahzade Mosque is situated on a hill in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. Specifically, it is located on Şehzadebaşı Street, across from the Istanbul Municipality.
History:
Constructed between 1543 and 1548, the mosque was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman to honor his favorite son, Prince Şehzade Mehmed, after his victorious military campaign in Hungary. The renowned architect Sinan designed the Shahzade Mosque. The tomb of Prince Şehzade Mehmed is within the mosque's premises. There are various accounts surrounding the cause of his death, with some suggesting political reasons, while others mention an illness related to the stomach.
Design:
The mosque features two minarets, each reaching a height of 57 meters. It is surrounded by a flower-filled courtyard, offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn. The interior includes several grand halls with massive columns and five rooms adorned with intricate Ottoman decorations. Additionally, the mosque's southern funerary garden houses five tombs, with the largest one belonging to Prince Şehzade Mehmed.
Area around Shahzade Mosque:
The area surrounding the mosque is characterized by numerous cafes with elevated terraces, providing visitors with spectacular views similar to those from Shahzade Mosque. The Fatih district is well-regarded by tourists for its charming cafes, bustling local markets, and vibrant atmosphere.
Address:
Kalenderhane, Şehzadebaşı Cd. No:44, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul