Audio GuideMolla Zeyrek Mosque

In the vibrant heart of Istanbul’s Fatih district, perched high on a hill with panoramic views over the Golden Horn, you will find a remarkable building that spans many centuries: Molla Zeyrek Camii. Its brickwork and domes draw the gaze, but within these old walls lies a special tale of transformation.

cemil abi

Back in the early twelfth century, this place began as a major Byzantine monastery. It was founded by Empress Irene of Hungary, and later enlarged by her husband, Emperor John the Second Komnenos. The complex contained not just one, but two churches: one dedicated to Christ Pantokrator, and the other to the Virgin Mary. There was also a chapel, a library, a hospital, and various other facilities. Over time, these separate buildings were elegantly joined together by a central chapel. This created a broad and harmonious space that became the imperial burial site of the city after Hagia Sophia.

Rouslan Valonen (LibertyToursLLC)

Architecturally, Molla Zeyrek Camii is a shining example of the Middle Byzantine style. The most distinctive feature is the use of the recessed brick technique. This is a careful arrangement of bricks and thick mortar that gives the walls their gentle waves and soft colours. You will spot cross-shaped layouts, polygonal apses with seven sides, lofty domes, and decorative touches of marble and coloured glass. Once, the interiors sparkled with mosaics and inlaid flooring, though these have long since vanished beneath later layers.

Panagiotis Georgakopoulos

The complex has experienced many changes over the centuries. During the era of Latin rule, that is, following the Fourth Crusade, it became home to Venetian clergy and treasured icons. It later returned to Orthodox hands, until the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. After that, the central church was turned into a mosque. The former monastic cells became the very first Ottoman school in Istanbul, known as a medrese. The mosque bears the name of Molla Zeyrek, a respected scholar who taught here until the school moved elsewhere.

Molla Zeyrek Camii has endured fire, earthquakes, and years of neglect. By the closing years of the twentieth century, it stood in danger of being lost. This threat led to major restoration efforts. Some choices, such as the use of newer materials, caused controversy. Yet thanks to this careful work, the mosque has been returned to service, welcoming both worshippers and visitors.

Today, Molla Zeyrek Camii survives as a living piece of history—a rare Byzantine jewel nestled among the busy streets of Istanbul, not far from landmarks like the Eski Imaret Mosque and the Zeyrekhane restaurant. Its story links imperial dreams, sacred art, shifting cultures, and a lasting sense of renewal. That legacy continues, greeting travellers from every corner of the globe.