İstanbul Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Complex

The complexes, which are shaped by the foundation system in Islamic culture, consist of a collection of religious, social, and cultural buildings such as a madrasa, mausoleum, bathhouse, caravanserai, bazaar, almshouse, library, with a mosque in the center. These structures, which operate with foundation revenues, have become areas that form the centers of cities over time. The Hekimoğlu Ali Pasha Complex, which constitutes our study subject, is located on the seventh hill of Istanbul in the historical peninsula region. The complex consists of a mosque, library, tomb, dervish lodge, fountain, water balance, and three fountains that have survived to the present day. The complex, which was built in the 18th century, is considered to be one of the first and most important structures that reflect the transition from the classical style to the elements of the westernization period. The construction material mainly used in the buildings examined within the scope of the study is cut stone. Partial use of brick and marble is also observed in the buildings. The mosque, which forms the center of the complex, has a rectangular plan close to the square and is the first hexagonal mosque in the 18th century. The library structure, which has a square upper floor plan and a rectangular lower floor plan, is also elevated above the cradle vaults, creating a passage that provides the entrance to the mosque courtyard from the north. With its location at the entrance of the mosque, the building has an important place among other library structures. The mausoleum structure is designed in a rectangular plan with feet connecting two square spaces covered with a dome. Located at the corner where Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Street and Ese Kapısı Street intersect, right next to the entrance to the complex, the fountain has an octagonal plan and a convex dome The complex has three fountains that have survived to the present day. Although classical decoration elements continue in the buildings of the complex, ornamental features of the Tulip Era, baroque and rococo styles are also seen predominantly. Inside the mosque, there are tile decorations manufactured by Tekfur Palace.