Eski Imaret Mosque Stop 3:
Welcome to the Eski Imaret Mosque, a truly fascinating landmark with a rich history. This beautiful mosque was actually once a Byzantine church that was later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. It has the distinction of being the only surviving intact 11th-century church in Istanbul, making it a truly remarkable piece of middle Byzantine architecture.
The church was traditionally associated with the Monastery of Christ Pantepoptes, which translates to "Christ the all-seeing." This name suggests a deep spiritual significance, as if the church had a direct connection to the eyes of God Himself.
Located in Istanbul's Fatih district, specifically in the neighborhood of Zeyrek, this mosque is in a rather humble area. It's surrounded by the old walled city and is just a short distance away from the impressive Zeyrek Mosque.
The identification of the Eski Imaret Mosque as the old Pantepoptes church was done by Patriarch Constantius I in the 19th century. However, there have been arguments about its true identity. Some experts, like Cyril Mango, have questioned the church's location as it doesn't provide a complete view of the Golden Horn. Mango suggested an alternative site, which is now occupied by the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque, as a possible location for the Pantepoptes Monastery.
The history of this place is quite intriguing as well. It was around the year 1087 when Anna Dalassena, the mother of Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus, built a convent dedicated to Christos Pantepoptes on the summit of one of Constantinople's seven hills. She retired here at the end of her life, following the customs of the imperial family. The convent included the church we see today, which was also dedicated to Pantepoptes.
Imagine the historical events that took place here. During the siege of Constantinople in 1204, Emperor Alexios V Doukas Mourtzouphlos even established his headquarters near this very spot. This goes to show the significance and strategic value of this area.
The Eski Imaret Mosque is not as well-studied as some other buildings in the city, despite its historical importance. However, it still stands as a testament to the resiliency of Byzantine architecture and the complex layers of history that make Istanbul such a culturally rich city.
Now, let's continue our journey to the next stop on our tour, the Zeyrek Mosque. It's just a short walk from here, so let's follow the path and continue exploring the wonders of Istanbul.
