User Reviews
Eski Imaret Mosque (Eski Imaret Camii) is a former Byzantine church in Fatih, Istanbul, traditionally identified as the Monastery of Christ Pantepoptes. Built in the 11th century, it is the only intact church from that period in the city, yet remains one of the least studied.
Originally a convent founded by Anna Dalassena before 1087, it became a Roman Catholic church during the Latin occupation (1204–1261). After the Ottoman conquest (1453), it was converted into a mosque, while monastic buildings served as a zaviye, medrese, and imaret for the Fatih Mosque.
The building features Middle Byzantine architecture, a cross-in-square plan, and a U-shaped gallery, possibly for the Empress-Mother. Its scalloped dome and recessed brick technique make it architecturally significant. The original interior is mostly lost, except for some marble details.
Restored in the 1970s and 1990s, another restoration began in 2015 but was later halted. As of 2024, it remains under restoration.
References:The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.