[1] The mosque was built for Nurbanu Sultan, the Venetian-born wife of Selim II and the mother of Murad III.

These changes were probably made as a result of Nurbanu's enhanced status as following accession of her son Murad III in 1574 she became the queen mother.

[4] The mosque formed part of a large complex that also included a madrasa, a hadith college, a school for Quran recitation, an elementary school, a dervish convent, a hospital and a hospice complex that contained a guest-house and a double caravansaray.

[6] The main space is covered by a central dome of 12.7 metres (42 ft) diameter supported on six arches arranged in a hexagon with two free-standing columns.

Above the windows under the portico on the north facade are ten rectangular calligraphic lunette panels.

[8][9] Upper floors were added to the hospice buildings in the 19th century when they were converted into a military hospital and prison.