English: [The mosque] 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). The türbe (mausoleum) of Kara Ahmet Paşa (built 1558) stands next to the mosque. Info from J.M.Criel, Antwerpen. Sources: ‘Türkiye Tarihi Yerler Kılavuzu’ – M.Orhan Bayrak, Inkılâp Kitabevi, Istanbul, 1994

Concerning these arabesques the Strolling through Istanbul guidebook indicates these are … perhaps the most extensive and best preserved example of this kind of painting in the city. Unfortunately, the ceiling on the left has recently been spoiled by an attempt at restoration, but the one on the right still retains the somber brilliance.”