Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque

Located in Tophane region of Istanbul, Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque was constructed by Sinan the Architect upon the order of Chief Admiral Kılıç Ali Pasha. The mosque also has a social complex including a bathhouse, madrasa and tomb, and its construction dates back to 1580. Located at Tophane Square, one of the most touristic squares in Istanbul, this historical mosque is the main building of this complex.

Kılıç Ali Pasha (1500-1587), known as Uluç Ali Pasha and a famous Ottoman seaman, was the father of Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque. Serving as the Chief Admiral for 16 years, Kılıç Ali Pasha converted to Islam while he was an Italian origin person and became one of the most powerful Ottoman navy admirals.

Four separate gates provide access to Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque and Social Complex enclosed by a wide yard. The public fountain, located in the middle of the yard and covered by the elegant dome, is maybe the most gorgeous part of the mosque. Reflecting the classical Ottoman architectural features the best, Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque is among the structures, that provide the most attractive examples of the calligraphy.

As its mihrab in Bursa style is covered with İznik tiles, it is the proof that Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque is not only a mosque but also a privileged building carrying the architectural and artistic tastes. Also bearing the signature of Sinan the Architect and forming another part of the complex, the bathhouse attracts attention with its private rooms, cells and showers, fountains and spacious porches. There are sarcophagi of Kılıç Ali Pasha and Uluç Hasan Pasha in the tomb located here.