Ahi Celebi Mosque

Ahi Celebi Mosque was presumably built between the years 1480-1500. The mosque, which was built on a rectangular plan, supported by two arches and has a single dome, was constructed by the order of Tabip Kemal Ahi Can Tebrizi; the head doctor at Sultan Mahmut Han’s Darü’s Sifa (spot of healing) and head of the kitchen in his palace.

Ahi Chelebi Mosque, which is also known as Yemisçiler Mosque and Kanli Firin Mescidi, was burnt twice in 2th July 1539 and 18th May 1653 respectively and seriously damaged at the 1892 earthquake.

The mosque has special importance in the history and culture of Istanbul, cause it was the spot in Evliya Chelebi’s renowned dream; which he met Prophet Muhammad, kissed his hand and told him “Seyahat Ya Resulullah” (Travel, Prophet of God!) instead of “Sefaat ya Resulullah” (Mercy, Prophet of God!).

The mosque has a quite low dome placed on four sharp arches. The prayer space in the courtyard (“son cemaat yeri” in Turkish) has six domes. A door at this spot, which is also near the minaret, grants access to other annexes. The main door of the mosque, which is specially called “cumle kapısı” in Turkish, is quite plain. The epitaph of the annex on the right of the mosque is dated 1864.