Molla Zeyrek Mosque occupies the surviving churches of the Byzantine Pantokrator Monastery on a hill in Istanbul’s Zeyrek quarter. The complex’s layered form carries a rare architectural transition: an imperial monastic foundation became an active mosque, within a UNESCO-recognized historic neighborhood.
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Three connected sacred spaces lie behind the name Molla Zeyrek Mosque. The complex began as the Byzantine Pantokrator Monastery, founded in the twelfth century under Emperor John II Komnenos and Empress Irene. Its churches were dedicated to Christ Pantokrator and the Mother of God, with a funerary chapel between them.
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UpgradeQuick facts
- The Pantokrator monastery dates to the twelfth century and was founded under John II Komnenos and Empress Irene.
- The complex comprised three connected churches.
- It later served as a madrasa and was converted into a mosque.
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