Last updated on .
Küçükpazar is a small neighborhood on the Golden Horn in Istanbul. It sits in the Fatih district between Eminönü and Cibali.
Introduction to Küçükpazar
Küçükpazar has very little of interest to travelers other than the multitude of budget hotels. It mostly serves as a transit point, being at the foot of both the Atatürk Bridge and Golden Horn Metro Bridge. There’s a stop on the T5 tram as well.
Yavuz Er Sinan Mosque
First, near the Atatürk Bridge is the Yavuz Er Sinan Mosque (Yavuz Er Sinan Camii), which is one of the oldest in Istanbul. It was built in 1455 by Mehmed the Conqueror in honor of Yavuz Sinan Çelebi, a Janissary who’s buried next to the mosque. It was restored in 1862, 1905, and 1960.
Three-Mihrab Mosque
A few steps towards Eminönü is the Three-Mihrab Mosque (Üç Mihraplı Camii). It was built in the 15th century by Hoca Hayreddin Efendi, a teacher of Mehmed the Conqueror. It’s the only mosque in Istanbul with three mihrabs. The mosque was originally much smaller and had one mihrab but it was later expanded by Mehmed the Conqueror, who added a second mihrab. Şehdâne Hanım, the daughter-in-law of Hayreddin Efendi, donated her land for another expansion. Her only condition was that a third mihrab be added.
Ayrancı Street
Ayrancı Street (Ayrancı Sokak) sits on the hill behind Küçükpazar. While technically not in the neighborhood, it’s a pleasant place to walk if you’re on your way down from visiting the Süleymaniye Mosque. The street is lined with beautifully restored wooden Ottoman mansions. Some have been converted to boutique hotels.
