Beyazıt Camii

Inspired by Aya Sofya and completed in 1506, this domed mosque holds the distinction of being the oldest of the Ottoman imperial mosques still standing in the city. Though the inside is somewhat dark, it has an impressively carved mihrab and the large courtyard has 20 columns made of verd antique, red granite, and porphyry that were taken from ancient buildings. Most sections of the mosque, except for a small area open for worship, will be closed for the forseeable future for an extensive, multiyear restoration project.

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