Istanbul, Turkey
Coordinates: 41.019700, 28.957200
Zeyrek Mosque or Monastery of the Pantocrator is a significant mosque in Istanbul, made of two former Eastern Orthodox churches and a chapel.
It represents the most typical example of architecture of the Byzantine middle period in Constantinople and is, after Hagia Sophia, the second largest religious edifice built by the Byzantines still standing in Istanbul.
Shortly after the Fall of Constantinople the building was converted into a mosque, and the monastery was converted for a while into a Medrese. The Ottomans named it after Molla Zeyrek, a scholar who was teaching there. However, due to its importance in Byzantine history, Zeyrek was one among the few buildings of Istanbul whose ancient denomination was never forgotten.
The mosque, which is one of the two most important buildings on the historical peninsula of Istanbul, is a tourist attraction, and has stood since 1050. The first part of the monastery was built by Byzantine Emperor John II Komnenos’s wife, Empress Eirene Komnena, in the 12th century, and in the following years two churches were added to the complex.
It is thought of as one of the most popular Roman buildings, along with the Hagia Sophia, thanks to its architectural structure and aesthetic applications. The monastery was converted into a madrasah following the conquest of Istanbul. The historic building was used as mosque after the Fatih Social Complex was opened, and some sections still serve as a mosque.
After the completion of the Medreses in the Fatih complex in 1471, the students abandoned Zeyrek, and the rooms of the monastery occupied by the Medrese vanished later.
Today Zeyrek Mosque is – after Hagia Sophia – the second largest extant religious edifice built by the Byzantines in Istanbul.
The building is very large, beautiful, and is a functioning mosque which means it is open. It is free of charge and the building has been magnificently restored. The structure is obviously Byzantine by the architecture, columns, capitals, etc. There are no mosaics or Byzantine frescoes remaining, other than a hint near the main entrance.
There is a nice little garden behind its apses. From here you can enjoy the best view of the building as well as the beautiful panorama to the Golden Horn and the next hill with the huge Süleymaniye mosque on the top of it. There is also a good coffee bar that will possibly make you enjoy the view even more. It is not easy to find this place but it is worth to
Know This
If you walk to reach Zeyrek Mosque, it is possible to see the Byzantine ruins such as walls, Unkapani Cistern, and water pipes.
