Rustem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul

Vacation in Turkey is becoming more popular. Especially after the Turkish action-packed series "The Magnificent Age" was released on TV screens, based on real events.

The heroes of the series are historical figures, many of whom during their life in Istanbul erected not one beautiful building in honor of their beloved relatives. Thus, the Rustem Pasha Mosque was built in Istanbul.

Historical information about Pasha

Rustem Pasha is an extraordinary person in the history of the Ottoman Empire. His life was bright, and the way through the career ladder was long and far from boring! Until now, historians are arguing about the birthplace of the Great Vizier (about 1500). Some consider the birthplace of Pasha Croatia, others - Bosnia.

As a child, he arrived in Istanbul with his brother, enrolled in Enderun (the training center in the Topkapi Palace). And already in 1526, in the post of Sultan squire, went to the battle of Mohac, where he showed his remarkable nature. Then begins his career advancement. After 7 years becomes a governor in Tek, after another 5 years he becomes the post of Anatolia Beylerboy! A year later he was appointed the third vizier of the Sultan. In the same year, 1539, he marries the Ottoman princess - Michrim, the daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and Hurem Khaseki the Sultan! After 5 years, the Ottoman ruler decides to appoint Rustem the Great Vizier of the Empire. So Pasha took one of the main positions in the state.

His ascent was not easy. A huge number of envious people stood in the way of the venerable gentleman, but thanks to his insight, wisdom and cunning, the pasha skillfully eliminated enemy intrigues. This is another reason to visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque.

Family life of the chief vizier of the Ottoman Empire

In 1539, Rustem married the only daughter of Sultan Suleiman I Mihrimah, who had been in love for a long time.

To nikyah (wedding ceremony) did not take place, ruffians Rustem let the rumor that he is sick with leprosy. Then the resourceful pasha went to the trick - he put a louse on himself! Already at that time it was known that lice patients were not sitting on lice. Upon examination, the healer discovered the parasite on the venerable gentleman and made a verdict that Rustem was completely healthy.

According to the script of the series "Magnificent Century", the Hurrem-Sultan recommended Rustem as a groom for her daughter. And the wedding took place only because the Pasha extremely impressed the Sultan, because the last word belonged to the head of state. But Mikhrimah was against this union. So it was on the show, but not really.

As far as the daughter of the Sultan was married to the Pasha, we can only guess, but historical sources say that they had common children. The husband and wife together engaged in charity, opened funds and sponsored the construction of various social institutions of the time.

The legend of the Great Vizier Mosque

And to this day the Rustem Pasha Mosque is beautiful. The master died already at the age of 60 from dropsy, leaving the young Mikhrimah Sultan with the children. In memory of her beloved husband, she decides to build a mosque. Designed by its famous architect Sinan, who created religious centers and madrassas by orders of Sultan Suleiman and Hurem Hasakeki the Sultan.

Usually mosques were built with at least two minarets, but the Sultan of Mihrymah ordered Sinan to build a mosque with one elegant minaret that would symbolize her loneliness and devotion to her husband even after his death.

Nowadays the Rustem Pasha mosque is open to tourists. Feedback from visitors is only positive. Around the building there is a noisy market, but, having entered inside, the visitor will hear only his own thoughts!

Rustem Pasha Mosque: description

The erection of the religious project began not long before the death of the aforementioned gentleman in 1561. So the chief adviser did not even have time to see her. The opening of the holy place took place in 1563. The Rustem Pasha Mosque was built only two years.

The exterior of the building is simple. It has a classical rectangular shape in the base with one main dome and one minaret. However, the interior of the mosque strikes at first sight. The family of Mikhrimah and Rustem had a huge fortune, so the Sultan's daughter did not skimp on the decorations of the mosque.

The walls are lined with expensive blue-blue tiles of that time. It depicts all kinds of patterns and ornaments from flowers, including from tulips (a symbol of noble family). Masters of ceramics from Izniki painstakingly worked on the image of the city of Mecca (the center of Islam) on the main tile.

The Rustem Pasha Mosque has good lighting thanks to the large number of windows in the dome and walls of the building. In combination with blue-blue walls, the lighting seems to envelop the historical cover of the visitors of the mosque.

How to find the attraction

The mosque was erected near the main palace of the Ottoman Empire - Topkapi - in the Eminenu area, near the Golden Horn. Will take you there express tram line T1. The fare is 4 lira.

The building is surrounded by a spice market, and finding an entrance to the mosque yourself is quite difficult. However, people will point you at the inconspicuous door. The Rustem Pasha Mosque accepts visitors free of charge from 9am to sunset. But keep in mind that visiting the mosque during prayer (prayer) as a tourist is strictly prohibited!

The Rustem Pasha Mosque. A memory photo is necessary!

Not every day you visit buildings that are more than 500 years old. You can safely brag about photos before friends. Cards will convey the greatness, monumentality and faith of the people built in the Middle Ages.