OTTOMAN IMPERIAL MOSQUES
These mosques were commissioned by Ottoman sultans or members of the royal family. They were typically built as külliye, complexes centred around a mosque and surrounded by madrasas, kitchens and other charitable institutions.
The great imperial architect Mimar Sinan, who served for 50 years, designed many of Istanbul’s most enduring külliye, setting the standard for later architects.
Imperial mosques are not limited to Istanbul. Significant examples can be found in Bursa, the first Ottoman capital, as well as in Edirne, Konya, Amasya, Manisa and even Damascus.
ATIK VALIDE MOSQUE
Mimar Sinan undertook the construction of the Atik Valide Mosque and its extensive külliye in Üsküdar, commissioned by Nurbanu Sultan, the Venetian-born consort of Sultan Selim II and mother of Murad III.
As Valide Sultan, Nurbanu wielded considerable influence at court. Her patronage of this monumental project was both a demonstration of her political authority and a testament to the prominent role played by royal women in Ottoman architectural sponsorship during the 16th century.
Construction of the complex was carried out in three phases between 1571 and 1586. It reflected the evolving status of Nurbanu Sultan and also the growing scale of her endowment. The initial phase, begun during her lifetime, established the mosque as the central structure.
A subsequent enlargement of the mosque between 1577 and 1578 coincided with her elevation to Valide Sultan. It symbolically reinforced her new role as the most powerful woman in the empire.
The final phase, completed after her death in 1583, expanded the complex into one of the largest complexes in Istanbul at the time.
The Atik Valide külliye embodied the Ottoman concept of a mosque complex as a place of worship, but also a centre of education, welfare and community life.
Alongside the mosque, the complex included a madrasa for advanced religious studies. It also included a hadith college specialising in the interpretation of prophetic traditions.
There was also a Qur’an school for elementary education. The inclusion of an elementary school (mektep) ensured access to basic education.
The dervish convent (tekke) reflected the integration of Sufi practice into Ottoman religious and social life.
Equally significant were the charitable and social service institutions within the complex. The hospital (darüşşifa) and hospice (imaret) offered medical care, shelter and food to the poor.
The guesthouse and caravanserais served the needs of the travellers and merchants arriving in Üsküdar.
By the late 16th century, the Atik Valide complex had become one of the largest and most influential külliyes in Istanbul. It served as a focal point of Üsküdar’s urban development.
It also served as a lasting monument to the architectural and cultural ambitions of Nurbanu Sultan.
Initially known as Valide Mosque, it later became Atik Valide Mosque, to distinguish it from the Yeni Valide Mosque built by Sultan Ahmet III, also in Üsküdar.
HAMMAM
Not far from the mosque stands the hammam, built in 1579. Today the mosque and hammam are the only two structures from the original complex still in use.
REMARKABLE ATIK VALIDE MOSQUE
Unlike Istanbul’s most visited mosques, Atik Valide remains somewhat hidden. Enclosed by walls in a quiet residential area of Üsküdar, it requires a little effort to visit. Yet, this very seclusion adds to its charm.
For students of Ottoman history and architecture, it is an invaluable site. A monument dedicated to one of the most powerful women of the Sultanate of Women era.
So, if you find yourself in Üsküdar, take the time to visit the Atik Valide Mosque. In doing so, you will encounter a remarkable work of Sinan and also discover another fascinating layer of Istanbul.
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