An Overlooked Cultural Heritage: Yeni Cami Muvakkithane

Abstract

Muvakkithanes were spaces where the time of the day was determined according to the position of the. sun, clocks were adjusted and where correct prayer times were established and announced to the public. Muvakkithanes acted as small rasathanes and were usually built alongside Mosques and Kulliyes. They continued their existence from the beginning of the 18th to the end of 19th century. Yeni Cami Muvakkithane, whose inscription tells us that it was built by Mahmud II in 1813 is one of the most beautiful and important examples of its time.