ARAB MOSQUE

ARAB MOSQUE 

The Arab Mosque is located in the Karaköy quarter of Beyoglu district in Istanbul. Even though it is difficult to find the mosque at first glance as it is pushed back from the sights of visitors by the surrounding buildings, its different wooden structure and unique history distinguish it from other mosques. 

The mosque was built on the remains of a Byzantine church which was built and dedicated to Saint Irene in the 6th century.  It is said that the Arab mosque was the first mosque to be built in Istanbul and where the first call to prayer was heard in Istanbul during the second siege of Istanbul by Arabs under the leadership of Maslama ibn Abd al-Malik in 717–718. This construction was the result of an agreement between Maslama and the empire. The Arabs worshiped in this mosque for seven years before they went back to Damascus. 

During the reign of Latins in Istanbul (1204-1261), this building was replaced with a chapel dedicated to Saint Paul. However, in the early 14th century, it was captured by Dominicans. A monastery and a new church dedicated to  Saint Paul and Saint Dominic was built by them in the region. In the 14th and 15th centuries, many Italians were buried here. After the conquest of Istanbul, the church became one of the mosques that were changed into a mosque. Due to this conversion, some changes were made, like the addition of mihrab and minbar and conversion of the steeple into a minaret which were necessary for a mosque. After the Emirate of Granada fell in Spain in 1492, the Muslim Arabs were located in the surrounding neighborhood of the Arab mosque. This is the reason why the mosque is called “Arab” today. The Umayyad mosque style of the  steeple of the mosque  is said to be another reason why this mosque is called “Arab”. However, before it took the name of “Arab Mosque”, it was also known by different names such as Galata Mosque and Great Mosque. 

In the later years, some changes and restorations were made in the mosque. Sâliha Sultan, who was the mother of Mahmud I, was the one who gave order for one of the important repairs of the Arab Mosque. During this time, the wooden structure of the mosque was widened and the windows were designed according to the Ottoman style. A prayer place was added for the Sultans. For this reason, the mosque was titled “Selatin Mosque” (Mosques commissioned by the Ottoman dynasty). Also, a shadirvan, where people take ablution before praying, was added to the mosque. However, the shadirvan we see today in the mosque was renovated with the order of Âdile Sultan who was the daughter of Mahmud II as well as a cistern under the mosque. Unfortunately, the mosque was hit by fire several times but it was renovated to its original state. In the early 20th century, while another repair was going on, some tombstones belonging to Italians were discovered and sent to the Archaeology Museum in İstanbul. During this repair, some changes regarding the ceiling, walls and flooring were made. 

Today, the Arab Mosque still waits for its visitors with its beautiful and unique Gothic and ottoman style decoration, interior and atmosphere.