Fethiye Mosque: the Pammakaristos Church and its 14th-century mosaics
- Mosques
- Çarşamba, Fatih
- Depends on the venue
Family hotels closest to Fethiye Mosque
Visitor information
| Type | Byzantine church converted into a mosque |
|---|---|
| Built | 12th century; mosaic side chapel around 1310 |
| Commissioned by / architect | Komnenian period; the side chapel was commissioned by Maria-Martha Glabas |
| Neighbourhood | Çarşamba, Fatih |
| Opening hours | The mosque section is open outside prayer times; access to the museum section can change |
| Admission | The mosque is free; the mosaic side chapel (Fethiye Museum) is run separately, so check whether it is open |
| Time needed | 20–30 min |
| Getting there | 10 min uphill from Fener; 15–20 min by taxi from Sultanahmet |
| From Sultanahmet Square | 4.7 km; a long walk, public transport recommended |
| Pushchair / stroller | Partly suitable |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
From patriarchate to mosque
After the conquest, Mehmed the Conqueror gave the Greek patriarch first the Church of the Holy Apostles and then the Pammakaristos Church; the building served as the patriarchate from 1456 to 1587. The patriarchate later moved to Fener. When it was converted into a mosque, some walls were removed to enlarge the interior.
The mosaic side chapel
The side chapel (parekklesion), commissioned around 1310 by Maria-Martha, wife of the Byzantine commander Michael Glabas Tarchaneiotes, is famous for its gold-ground mosaics. Christ Pantokrator in the dome and the figures of prophets around him date from the same period as the Kariye mosaics. This section is run as a museum separate from the mosque; check whether it is open before you go.
Visiting tips
- When climbing up from Fener and Balat, add it to your route together with the Yavuz Selim Mosque.
Our family hotels near Fethiye Mosque
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Fethiye Mosque: 65 min walk (4.5 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Fethiye Mosque: 65 min walk (4.6 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Fethiye Mosque: 66 min walk (4.6 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Fethiye Mosque: 66 min walk (4.6 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
Where does the name Fethiye Mosque come from?
When Murad III converted the building into a mosque in 1591, he named it Fethiye, from the word “fetih” (conquest), to mark his victories in Georgia and Azerbaijan.
