Kalenderhane Mosque – The church of Akaleptos

Kalenderhane Mosque – The church of Akaleptos

Located on 16th March Martyrs Street (16 Mart Sehitler Caddesi in Turkish) near the Girl’s Dormitory in Vezneciler, city of Istanbul, that magnificent structure was firstly an Orthodox Eastern Church well-known as Theotokos Kyriottissa which suggests the mother of God and symbolizes Virgin Mary.

It is estimated to possess been built between 9th and 12th centuries. At the start, there was found a Rome Bath then again it absolutely was demolished. During the Latin Invasion, the Catholic Crusaders seized that church and carved the wall of it by writing the name of Saint Francesco, the founding father of Franciscan religion sect. Additionally the primary frescos were established here for the sake of him. Today those fascinating frescos were kept and displayed within the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. Once upon a time the church was surrogated by the monastery buildings but they were harmed and will not stand. At the current the visitors can see the relics of these monasteries in round the church.

Destruction And Renovations

But after the conquest of Istanbul, that charming basilica was transformed into a Mosque by Aga of Babüssaade (Palace), Maktul Besir with the order of Ottoman Sultan Fatih Mehmet, the conqueror. It had been allocated for dervishes who were member of Kalender sect. Thanks to that, the mosque was named as Kalenderhane.

In 19th century, it had been damaged in an exceedingly fire; the naves, the saloon on narthex and marble facings, mihrab and mimbar were harmed thanks to that fireplace. In 1854 it absolutely was repaired. In 1930, as a results of lighting strike, it absolutely was damaged again and its minaret was collapsed. Until 1965, ıt has used as a home for homelessness, waiflike people. Finally, between 1966 and 1975, within the consequence of the searches and excavations organized by Istanbul and Harvard University, it had been highly renovated and opened to the worship.

Architecture

Reflecting to the Byzantine Period, the dome of that structure with planned the form of Greek cross has high hoop, little diameter, windows creating fascinating an environment and corners with pendant. Additionally, ıt has inherit the middle of the Kalenderhane Mosque from the narthex covered with vaults. The middle of the first construction is roofed by a pendant dome. The most dome of the mosque is supported by a vault, that the ceiling structure is visible. The walls of the mosque comprises of both bricks and stones. The inner walls are furnished beautiful colour marble panels and reliefs. It's now open for prayer and to domestic and foreign visitors.

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