Simkeshane (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality)

 administrative building, interesting place, 15th century construction

According to an inscription dated in 1463, it was written that Simkeshane was one of the first buildings made after the conquest of Istanbul. In the middle of the area where it was built, there was a triumphal arch belong to the Emperor Theodisius I. After the conquest of the city, the head of the guild of janissaries, Yakup Aga built a mosque in this devastated city by the order of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Right next to this mosque, Fatih had a royal mint constructed and the first coins were produced here. In the 17th century, the building was damaged by three different fires and several earthquakes. The mother of Ahmet III, Rabia Gulnus Sultan restored the building later in 1707 and named it as 'Simkeshane-i Amire'. As an integral part of this building, a fountain, a school, a small mosque and a public fountain were built. In 1976, the remainings in Simkeshane were restored and today it is called 'Public Library'. Furthermore, the pieces found in the excavation work of Beyazit Square are exhibited here as well.