Vaniköy Mosque, a prominent landmark along the Bosphorus, was rendered unusable by a fire that occurred two years ago. The Kalyon Foundation vowed to restore the mosque within two years, and they delivered on their promise.
In just 18 months, a team of 100 dedicated individuals, including six expert women in various fields, resurrected the 358-year-old mosque from the ashes.
The restoration also gave birth to a unique library, housing a collection of 1,600 rare books, that breathes new life into Vaniköy Mosque.
The Kalyon Foundation, driven by its mission of honouring the past and enriching the future, voluntarily undertook the restoration of Vaniköy Mosque.
This revitalized sanctuary allows the people of Istanbul to reconnect with the essence of history. Employing the expertise of 100 professionals, the centuries-old mosque was meticulously rebuilt after the fire.
Authentic materials, such as pine timbers from Dursunbey, oak timbers from Yenice, and marbles sourced from Marmara Island were used during the restoration works.
To preserve the memory of the fire, burnt woods from the Sultan's mahfel were incorporated into the mosque, forming a partition wall that serves as a reminder of the past. These charred woods were also incorporated into the outdoor lighting design and placed within the mosque's garden.
In the 18th century, the ground floor of the Hünkar Pavilion, an addition to the historical mosque, was transformed into a library.
In collaboration with the Presidential National Library, this newly established library offers access to 1,600 works encompassing Istanbul's history, cultural life, mysticism, and architecture. Visitors to the mosque can now bask in the knowledge and wisdom contained within its walls.
Vaniköy Mosque stands out as the only library in Istanbul that overlooks the Bosphorus. In honour of Ahmet Kalyoncu, who passed away last year, the library bears his name as a testament to his legacy.
The mosque revival project marked a significant milestone. The structural reinforcement project was implemented, involving structural grouting applications on the existing walls and foundation walls of the mosque, as well as reinforcing the foundation walls.
Decayed wooden beams were replaced with sturdy oak beams embedded within the walls. The installation of the underfloor heating water system in the mosque has been completed, and essential elements such as the mihrab (prayer niche), pulpit, and lectern have been meticulously crafted. Additionally, wooden doors and windows were manufactured.
The exterior facades of the fountain were meticulously plastered and adorned with traditional khorasan mortar. Detailed fringe work was added in accordance with the project specifications.
Historical studies brought together a team of 100 dedicated individuals, with six out of seven technical staff members being women. These women, serving as the Project Manager, Restorator, Master Architect, Architect, and OHS Specialist, played a pivotal role in ensuring the project's success within a short timeframe.
