Ağa Mosque is a historical Ottoman mosque with a cut stone minaret, built by Pervane Ağa in 1559, located on the left side of the main road in Harput Neighborhood of Elazığ; its prayer section was renovated and has been in service since 1996.
Ağa Mosque greets you on the left side of the main road as you enter Harput. According to its inscription, it was built by Pervane Ağa in 1559 (Hijri 967), which is why it is also known as Pervane Mosque among the locals. The most striking feature of the structure is its original minaret built of cut stone. This minaret was the only part of the mosque that remained standing after the destructions it underwent.
While the prayer section was unusable for a long time, it was reopened for worship with a renovation carried out in 1996. It has the appearance of a simple rectangular-plan Ottoman provincial mosque. It can be considered as part of a route to visit along with other historical mosques in Harput (Ulu Mosque, Sara Hatun Mosque, Alacalı Mosque). All are within close proximity, on the road leading up to Harput Castle.
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Guide's Note
When to Visit Ağa Mosque?
Harput is higher and cooler than Elazığ city center. It's more enjoyable to visit here in the summer months when the city center is hot. Spring and early autumn are also suitable for visiting Harput Castle and other historical structures in the vicinity. If you visit during prayer times, your chances of seeing the interior increase.
How to Get to Ağa Mosque?
It takes 15-20 minutes to reach Harput from Elazığ city center by private car. The mosque is easily noticeable as it is located on the left side of the main road at the entrance to Harput. For those using public transport, bus line 23 goes to Harput, and the mosque is within walking distance from there.
Transportation within Harput
Ağa Mosque stands at the corner where Hükümet and Saraçhane streets intersect in Harput Neighborhood. Since other historical structures like Harput Castle, Sara Hatun Mosque, and Ulu Mosque are also within walking distance, parking your car somewhere and exploring Harput on foot is the most practical method.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
Ağa Mosque itself is a small structure, 15-20 minutes is sufficient. However, it is more logical to visit Harput not alone, but together with Harput Castle, Ulu Mosque, and other historical artifacts in the vicinity. In this way, half a day should be allocated.
Suggested Route
Starting a Harput tour from Ağa Mosque, visiting Sara Hatun Mosque, Alacalı Mosque, and Ahmet Bey Mosque, and finishing by climbing to Harput Castle is a logical sequence. At the exit of the castle, a wide view of Elazığ city center and Uluova can also be seen.
Good Spots for Photography
The cut stone minaret of the mosque stands out when photographed from a low angle. Shots taken while approaching the mosque from the main road also effectively show the structure's location and surroundings.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
Since the mosque is actively open for worship, attention should be paid to prayer times. If you plan to enter, modest attire and respectful behavior are expected. As Harput is on a plateau, it's a good idea to bring a jacket with you for weather changes.
FAQ
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