Bayezid Mosque was built by Sultan Bayezid II, the son of Mehmed the Conqueror, at the beginning of the 16th century. De facto, it is the oldest imperial mosque in Istanbul.
Bayezid reflects the trend toward the construction of domed structures that arose under the influence of the grandeur of Hagia Sophia. 20 ancient columns made of pink granite and red porphyry support twenty-four domes. Two minarets, set a considerable distance apart, solemnly frame the domes. Of particular interest is the rectangular front courtyard with pointed arches. The gate at the entrance to the mosque is decorated with elaborate stalactite-like ornaments, reflecting the influence of the Seljuks in the architecture of the structure.
In one of the mosque's rooms are the so-called turbes – tombs of the great rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Here you can also see the final resting place of the founder of the mosque himself – Sultan Bayezid – his mausoleum. Connoisseurs of Turkish history, and simply curious travelers, will undoubtedly not remain indifferent to this architectural monument.
