New Mosque Hünkar Pavilion

The Hünkâr Kasrı of the New Mosque is an example of Ottoman civil architecture, constructed in the 17th century adjacent to the New Mosque in Istanbul’s Eminönü district, intended for the sultan and Valide Sultan to rest and receive guests prior to worship. The structure is a historical building that houses exemplary works of Turkish arts such as tilework, calligraphy, and woodcarving.

Hünkâr Kasrı (

History

The construction of the kasrı is closely linked to the completion process of the New Mosque Külliyesi. The foundation of the külliye was laid in 1597 by Safiye Sultan, wife of Sultan III. Murad and mother of Sultan III. Mehmed; however, construction of the mosque was repeatedly interrupted due to various political and financial reasons.^【1】 Following a major fire in 1660, reconstruction was restarted under the orders of Hatice Turhan Sultan, mother of Sultan IV. Mehmed, and completed in 1663. The külliye was officially opened in 1665.^【2】

The Hünkâr Kasrı was built as a separate but adjacent structure to the mosque, designed specifically for the sultan and Valide Sultan to use upon their arrival. The kasrı, attributed to architect Mustafa Ağa, was arranged to allow the sultan to rest or perform ablutions before or after prayer, and to conduct certain state affairs; it also served as a reception space.

Demolition Agenda in the 1930s

The question of demolishing the New Mosque Hünkâr Kasrı emerged during urban planning and development activities in Istanbul in the 1930s. As part of the Istanbul master plans prepared by French urban planner Henri Prost, the area around Eminönü was targeted for reorganization; the demolition of the kasrı was among the proposals considered.^【3】

The demolition issue first appeared in the press on 19 January 1938 and quickly became a subject of public debate.^【4】 Articles in newspapers of the period revealed a tension between the historical and architectural value of the structure and the demands of urban development. While some publications argued for the preservation of the building, others asserted that demolition was necessary for urban planning purposes.

Public discussion largely subsided after reports in the press on 22 February 1938 confirmed that the kasrı would not be demolished.^【5】 By the end of February, the issue had been removed from the agenda, and the New Mosque Hünkâr Kasrı survived the period without being destroyed. These debates are significant for demonstrating how the preservation of historical structures was addressed by public opinion and the press during the early Republican period.^【6】

Architectural Features

The New Mosque Hünkâr Kasrı is a structure built adjacent to the eastern façade of the New Mosque Külliyesi, designed for use by the sultan during his visits to the mosque. The building features a spatial arrangement intended to accommodate the temporary residence and rest of high-ranking state officials. The kasrı was constructed as a distinct structure separate from the main complex, with interior spaces organized around a controlled access system.

The plan of the kasrı was designed to accommodate reception and rest functions. Rooms, lounges, and transitional spaces are arranged hierarchically, reflecting the spatial organization principles characteristic of Ottoman palace architecture. The structural system is based on load-bearing masonry walls, with wooden elements used in the roof construction and interior fittings.

Architectural decoration emphasizes tilework, calligraphy, wood carving, and mother-of-pearl inlay. These decorative elements serve not only an aesthetic function but also reflect the status and representational character of the kasrı. The building is regarded as a cohesive example of Ottoman civil architecture, where architectural design and decorative program are applied in unified harmony.

Current Status and Use

Following restoration work carried out by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, the structure has been preserved in accordance with its original form and transformed into a center hosting cultural events. Annual exhibitions and artistic activities are held in the Hünkâr Kasrı, along with artist workshops that display creative works.