Kaptan Paşa Camii

The Kaptan Pasha Mosque is located at the intersection of Kaptanpaşa Street and Aziz Mahmut Efendi Street in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. It was originally built in 1499 by Fakih Efendi as a small prayer hall. Over time, this initial structure evolved into a mosque and was rebuilt in its current form between 1728 and 1729 by Kaptan-ı Sea Kaymak Mustafa Paşa. However, in 1890, a fire destroyed much of the mosque, and it was repaired the same year by Helvacı Kızı Şerife Nefise Hanım.

^{Kaptan Paşa Mosque (Source:} Instagram/cami.istanbul⁾

The Kaptan Paşa Mosque is a single-domed structure built on a square plan. The primary building material used is kefeki stone. The mosque is constructed on a stone foundation with a final prayer area accessible via stairs from three sides. The prayer area is well maintained, with wooden elements restored. The mihrab is crafted with kalem işi and skalaktit (scallop shell) decoration, flanked by columns featuring kumsaati patterns. The minbar is entirely made of marble and richly ornamented. The base of the minbar is adorned with rûmi motifs, and side railings are made using ajur technique.

Dome rests on an octagonal base, with upper windows featuring plaster netting. The interior space is enriched with kalem işi decorations, frequently employing rûmi and symbolic plant motifs. The stained glass ornaments inside the mosque prominently feature calligraphic inscriptions and rûmi patterns.

^{Kaptan Paşa Mosque, Dome (Source:} Instagram/cami.istanbul⁾

The mosque has undergone several repairs during the historical period. Following the 1890 fire, the major restoration carried out by Şerife Nefise Hanım restored the mosque to its former grandeur. In 1974–1975, a small-scale repair was conducted, and in 1991–1992, a comprehensive restoration was carried out by the Directorate of Foundations. During this restoration, decayed wooden and lead components were replaced, and necessary measures were taken to preserve the structure.

^{Kaptan Paşa Mosque (Source:} Instagram/cami.istanbul⁾

The interior of the mosque is adorned with kalem işi decorations, particularly the designs beneath the dome, stained glass panels, and the craftsmanship around the mihrab, all of which are highly striking. Inside the dome, rûmi kalem işi patterns and the sülüs calligraphy of the verse "İnnellâhe yümsiküs semevâti vel arza..." add visual depth to the space. The intricately carved wooden hour located to the left of the mihrab is one of the elements that complete the aesthetic of the space.

The mosque’s courtyard is accessible through two gates opening onto streets. Near the gate facing Aziz Mahmut Efendi Street stands a fountain built in 1141 (1728–1729) in the name of Seyfeddin, classical fountain. Additionally, another fountain exists to the southwest of the mosque, not adjacent to the building.

The mosque’s minaret is also constructed from kefeki stone. Its base, shaped like a onion, is decorated with two profiled rings. Access to the minaret is via the müezzin mahfili. Additionally, a newly constructed wooden staircase leads to the minaret from the final prayer area.