Şemsi Pasha Mosque
Description
Şemsi Pasha Mosque is a small but scenic Ottoman mosque in Üsküdar, Istanbul. Built in 1580 by famed architect Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Şemsi Pasha, it's known for its harmony with the Bosphorus shoreline and elegant proportions.
The mosque is part of a compact complex including a madrasa and Şemsi Pasha’s mausoleum, which is uniquely connected to the prayer hall. The structure features a single dome, marble mihrab, and colorful stained-glass windows.
The L-shaped madrasa has twelve domed rooms and a central classroom, later converted into a library. After a fire and years of neglect, the complex was restored in 1940 and remains a picturesque example of Sinan’s architectural mastery.