Üveys Pasha Mosque

Üveys Pasha Mosque was built in 1568-1569 by Üveys Pasha, the son of Kadı Muhiddin Efendi, who served as Chief Defterdar and Beylerbeyi of Buda and Egypt. As the oldest Ottoman structure in Aydın to survive to the present day, the mosque is also mentioned in Evliya Çelebi's Seyahatname, written in the 17th century.

The structure underwent multiple destructions and renovations throughout its history. Severely damaged in the 1899 earthquake, the mosque was repaired by Hacı Halil Pasha of Söke. The structure, which also suffered from fires during the Greek occupation years of the War of Independence, underwent extensive renovation in 1947-1948, achieving its current appearance. The bullet marks that hit the 'maşallah' inscription above the entrance door still stand as witnesses of that period.

The mosque was built on a sloping terrain in a north-south direction, with a courtyard, a square plan, and its main prayer hall covered by a single dome. To its north, there is a three-domed portico for latecomers, and at the northern end of its western facade, there is a single minaret. Since the facades are plastered, the construction material cannot be clearly understood; the domes are covered with Ottoman-style tiles.

The marble doorframes and rectangular windows at lower levels are enlivened by pointed relieving arches at the upper parts. The upper-level windows are pointed-arched and placed within rectangular recesses. The ox-eye windows on the south facade are particularly noteworthy from an architectural perspective. The central dome of the portico for latecomers is transitioned with scallop-shell shaped squinches, while the side ones are supported by pendentives. The columns have round shafts; there is a women's gallery to the north. The decorations are kept simple; this directly reflects the architectural understanding of the early Ottoman period.

Spring and autumn months are the most suitable period for Üveys Pasha Mosque. Aydın experiences very hot summers; it would be wiser to prefer early morning hours during summer months. Since the mosque is an active place of worship, the interior might be closed to visitors between prayer times; learning the prayer times in advance is a practical approach. During Friday prayer times, the congregation density increases; those wishing to examine the architecture should avoid these hours.

Üveys Pasha Mosque is located at Sakarya Street No:13 in Aydın city center. It can be easily reached by minibuses and buses coming from Aydın bus terminal to the city center. After getting off in the city center, the mosque is within walking distance. For those coming by private car, finding a parking spot on Sakarya Street and its vicinity can be difficult during busy hours; you might consider parking on nearby streets and walking.

One of the most interesting photographic details of the mosque is the bullet marks that hit the 'maşallah' inscription above the entrance door; this detail, a tangible trace of the War of Independence, also holds a special historical value. The ox-eye windows on the south facade and the domed structure of the portico for latecomers offer strong compositions. The marble tombs in the courtyard and the part of the original ablution fountain basin remaining to the right of the entrance are also worth photographing. Visitors say that the reddish hue on the domes adds a distinct visual appeal, especially in daylight.

Üveys Pasha Mosque is an active place of worship. During your visit, it is necessary to adhere to covering rules; a headscarf is mandatory for women. Keep in mind that entry to the interior may be restricted during prayer times, and plan your visit accordingly. Some parts of the building have sloping ground levels, so it is necessary to walk carefully. Treating the tombs in the courtyard with respect is also part of visiting etiquette.

Sakarya Street and its surroundings are one of the busiest points in Aydın city center. There are various cafes, restaurants, and patisseries nearby. Fig desserts unique to Aydın and olive oil dishes are among the prominent flavors of the region. After your visit, you can try the simple and satisfying tastes of Aegean cuisine at local restaurants in the city center.