My next story about the landmarks of ancient Istanbul will focus on the Kalenderhane Mosque. Although this building, over 800 years old, is located near many fascinating sites in the city, it is not as well-known to travelers as other architectural monuments in the area.
Kalenderhane: From Byzantine Church to Mosque
Archaeological excavations near the mosque have revealed that baths dating back to the 4th century once stood on this site. The remains of two ancient temples were also discovered here.
The current Kalenderhane Mosque was built in the 12th century. Initially, the building served as the Byzantine Church of the Theotokos Kyriotissa. The church’s greatest treasure was a series of frescoes depicting Francis of Assisi, dating to the 13th century. These are the oldest known images of the saint and are now stored in the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul. Additionally, an earlier mosaic from the 7th century was found on the grounds of the Kalenderhane Mosque.
The building received its name during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror. The name is linked to the kalenders, wandering dervishes who used the mosque as their dwelling. In the 18th century, the structure was converted into a mosque.
Guidebooks often state that access to the mosque's interior is restricted. However, I managed to visit it on my first attempt and didn’t encounter any restrictions. The mosque’s interior is notable for its use of marble panels in a variety of colors. The main hall can accommodate 450 people. According to the same guidebook, fragments of old mosaics have been preserved inside the mosque, but I didn’t notice these details during my visit.
Kalenderhane Mosque: How to Get There
As mentioned above, the mosque is conveniently located near other points of interest in the city, including the Valens Aqueduct, the Pantocrator Monastery, and the Süleymaniye Mosque. The latter complex is one of the most visited places in the city, as many travelers come here to see the burial sites of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hürrem (also known as Roxelana).
You can reach the Kalenderhane Mosque by tram or metro. The nearest metro station is Vezneciler, just a minute’s walk from one of its exits. Entry to the mosque is free.
Kalenderhane Mosque is by no means the only monument of the Byzantine era in Istanbul. To continue exploring this theme, I invite you to read my article about the Hagia Irene Church.
Have a nice trip!
