English: This mosque is sometimes also named ‘Topkapı Camisi’ (because of its location). It was commissioned by Kara Ahmet Paşa (‘Black Ahmet’), a Grand Vizir (and brother-in-law) of Süleyman the Magnificent. He was married to Fatma Sultan, a daughter of Süleyman’s father Selim I.

The building works started in 1555 (shortly before Ahmet Paşa died), and finished three years later under supervision of Rüstem Paşa, another Grand Vizier (and a son-in-law) of sultan Süleyman.

The courtyard north of the mosque has a large şadırvan (fountain for ritual ablutions) in its center; it is surrounded by a medrese, with cells for the students and a dershane (main classroom).