Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the
mihrab
; the
mihrab
itself, which features a piece of the sacred Black Stone from the
Kaaba in Mecca; and the high, elaborate
mahfil
(chair) from which the imam gives the
sermon on Friday. The beautifully carved white marble
mimber
with its curtained door-
way at floor level features a flight of steps and a small kiosk topped by a spire.
SULTAN AHMET I
The Tomb of Sultan Ahmet I is on the north side of the mosque facing Sultanahmet Park. Ahmet, who had
ascended to the imperial throne aged 13, died one year after the mosque was constructed, aged only 27. Bur-
ied with him are his wife, Kösem, who was strangled to death in the Topkapı Harem, and his sons, Sultan
Osman II (r 1618-22), Sultan Murat IV (r 1623-40) and Prince Beyazıt (murdered by Murat). Like the
mosque, the
türbe
features fine İznik tiles.
Mosques built by the great and powerful usually included numerous public-service institutions, in-
cluding hospitals, soup kitchens and schools. Here, a large
medrese
(Islamic school of higher studies)
on the northwestern side of the complex (closed to the public) and an
arasta
(row of shops by a
mosque; now the Arasta Bazaar) remain. The rent from shops in the
arasta
has always supported the
upkeep of the mosque.
