15th Century Foundation Deed, Lost Heritage: We Are Restoring the Voynuk Şücaeddin Mosque

Fatih Municipality is restoring the Voynuk Şücaeddin Mosque, built in the 15th century by Şücaeddin İbrahim Efendi, to its original form. The historical structure, which houses the tombs of Hızır Bey, Necâtî Efendi and Kâtip Çelebi in its courtyard, will be reopened for worship upon completion.

Voynuk Şücaeddin Mosque, one of the important landmarks in the rapidly evolving urban fabric following the conquest of Istanbul, is being restored through the efforts of the Fatih Municipality. Located in one of Fatih's ancient neighbourhoods, this historic structure was commissioned in the 15th century by Şücaeddin İbrahim Efendi, one of the leading scholars of the period. Registered to the Arabacıbaşı Şücaeddin Bey Foundation, the mosque stood out in Istanbul at the time as both a place of worship and one of the centres of neighbourhood life.

Şücaeddin İbrahim Efendi, who passed away in 1459, was buried in the cemetery in front of the mosque he had built. Over time, this cemetery also welcomed important figures in Ottoman science and intellectual history. The graves of figures such as Hızır Bey, one of Istanbul's first city governors and scholars, Necâtî Efendi, a renowned divan poet of the period, and Kâtip Çelebi, a world-renowned encyclopaedist, are also located in this cemetery. Thus, the Voynuk Şücaeddin Mosque became not only a place of worship but also a memory space carrying the intellectual depth and historical continuity of a civilisation.

Over time, the structure deteriorated due to various reasons and became unusable, remaining only in sources and waqf records for many years. However, restoration work initiated by the Fatih Municipality has made this historical value visible again. During the excavation works carried out under museum supervision, important findings were made regarding the foundations of the mosque, wall traces and environmental arrangements. These data guided the comprehensive reconstruction project prepared under the supervision of expert architects and restorers.

In the restoration process carried out within the scope of the project approved by the Conservation Board, the historical character of the structure and the architectural aesthetics of the period are meticulously preserved. The classical Ottoman stonework, window proportions, mihrab form, minaret details and original layout are being redesigned to correspond exactly with the available archaeological and archival data. Thus, the structure is not only being transformed into a monument reminiscent of the past, but also into a liveable and functional place of worship for the future.

This comprehensive project by the Fatih Municipality is not merely the reconstruction of a mosque, but also the revival of a historical memory. Along with the conservation projects being carried out at various points in the district, the revival of the Voynuk Şücaeddin Mosque is considered an important step towards preserving Fatih's multi-layered historical identity.

Once the restoration is complete, the mosque, along with its surrounding cemetery, will be reopened for worship and visits. Thus, the Voynuk Şücaeddin Mosque will continue its centuries-old story in the ancient silhouette of Fatih, taking its place once again in the heart of the city as a cultural symbol that brings together the past and the present.