Rising on the coast of Üsküdar against the unique view of the Bosphorus, Şemsi Pasha Mosque is a fascinating structure not only with its architectural beauty but also with its mysterious structure where even birds do not perch. This historical work, popularly known as the “Asparagus Mosque”, was built by the great master of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan, and is a masterpiece intertwined with nature. This interesting feature of the mosque, which does not even attract birds, makes the story of Şemsi Pasha Mosque even more impressive and intriguing.
in 1580 Şemsi Ahmet Pashaat the request of Architect SinanThis structure, built by , reflects the elegance and mastery of Ottoman architecture. Grand Vizier Şemsi Ahmet Pasha not only wanted an aesthetic structure in the construction of this mosque, but also stipulated an unusual condition: Birds should not land in the mosque, and should not even fly on its dome. This request was an extraordinary challenge for Mimar Sinan, and thus, a building that is remembered with both its story and architecture was created. “Asparagus Mosque” has come out.
Magnificent Features of Asparagus Mosque
Şemsi Pasha Mosque was built by Mimar Sinan in 1580 on the coast of Üsküdar and is popularly known as “Asparagus Mosque” is famous as. Another feature of the mosque is that it is not only a place of worship, but also a social complex that includes a tomb and a madrasah. This social complex, made entirely of cut stone, is placed inside a wall surrounded by windows with iron gratings. This social complex, which has two gates towards the east and the sea, attracts attention with its elegant architecture and aesthetic details.
A four-line inscription made of red and white stones, located on the door arch of the mosque, belongs to the poet of the period, Ulvi, and in its last couplet, it gives the year 988 (1580), the year of construction of the mosque. The interior of the dome and the drum of the mosque are decorated with classical Ottoman motifs. In addition, the jali thuluth scripts on the dome were written by the famous calligrapher İsmail Hakkı Altunbezer.
Tomb of Şemsi Pasha is located on the northeastern façade of the mosque facing the sea. Tomb of Şemsi Ahmet Pasha has been placed. The four-line inscription on the door of the tomb attracts attention, but there is no date on this inscription. The sarcophagus in the tomb was renewed in 1984.
In the graveyard of the mosque, 18th century. There are also many graves dating back to the 11th century. In addition, in the courtyard of the mosque, the Üsküdar Şemsipaşa District Public Library is located today. When viewed from the door of the mosque on the beach side, another work of Mimar Sinan, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque can also be seen.
Sinan the Architect’s Singular Detail Another important detail in the complex is a water discharge manhole, which is only found here in all the works done by Mimar Sinan. This architectural detail once again reveals Sinan’s engineering intelligence, as the mosque is located on the coast.
The Unique Story of Kuşkonmaz Mosque
In the Ottoman Empire, it became a state tradition for sultans and statesmen to leave behind artifacts. Şemsi Ahmet Pasha was one of the important statesmen who continued this tradition. However, his decision to build a mosque was not just a matter of tradition; one of the turmoils in political life and one of the great rivalries of the period. Sokullu Mehmet Pasha It was a reflection of the struggle between him and
Ahmet Pasha’s goal was to rise to the rank of grand vizier. However, his biggest rival on this path was Sokullu Mehmet Pasha, the powerful grand vizier of the period. The rivalry between them was evident even when they decided to build a mosque. Ahmet Pasha made a symbolic criticism against Sokullu, implying that birds were flying over the domes of his mosques and that they were polluting the mosques. Sokullu responded to this situation calmly and “The sky belongs to all birds, they fly wherever they want and pollute wherever they want.” He replied to Pasha’s message.
When Ahmet Pasha was promoted to grand vizier, he no longer wanted to be held back by his words. He wanted to have a mosque built as soon as possible, which he could set as an example for Sokullu. But his criticism of those birds was always on his mind. His own mosque had to be different. Birds should neither land on this mosque nor fly on its dome. He thought that he would thus gain an advantage over his rival Sokullu. Pasha turned to Mimar Sinan, the greatest architect of the period, as the only person who could fulfill this extraordinary request.
Ahmet Pasha, He asked Mimar Sinan to achieve the impossible: “Build me such a mosque that birds will not land on it. They shouldn’t even fly overhead. “They should not come near him.” Sinan took this request seriously and started to search for a suitable place using his intelligence and skills.
Architect SinanAs a result of detailed calculations, he found a place where birds would have difficulty flying and would not land: Üsküdar coast. In this region, where the Bosphorus opens to the Sea of Marmara, the adverse winds and the vibrations created by the waves hitting the shore would disturb the birds and prevent them from approaching the mosque. Şemsi Pasha Mosque, built in 1580 in a place with these characteristics, became known as the “Asparagus Mosque” among the public.
This strategic point ensured that birds did not approach the mosque surroundings. Thus, Şemsi Pasha Mosque, which was opened for worship in 1580, was transformed over time. “Asparagus Mosque” Its name became widespread among the public and became one of the symbols of Üsküdar. Even today, this feature of the mosque still attracts attention and is a matter of curiosity for many visitors.
Unfortunately, Ahmet Pasha passed away before seeing the completion of this mosque. He wanted to see the mosque as a symbol of his power and superiority, but this wish did not come true. In fact, it was not possible to show the mosque to Sokullu Mehmet Pasha.
It is still not fully known whether this mosque, where birds have not been able to land for 442 years, was designed in this way due to Ahmet Pasha’s obsession with cleanliness or his desire to dominate his rival Sokullu Mehmet Pasha. However, even today, the story behind this unique structure adds a special meaning to both the architectural and historical value of the mosque.
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