Kurşunlu Mosque is an Ottoman-era mosque located in Elazığ's Harput Neighborhood, built in 1738-1739; named after its lead-covered dome, it stands out with its 835-year-old kündekari minbar and the centuries-old plane tree in its courtyard.
Located in Harput Neighborhood, just east of Hoca Hasan Bath, Kurşunlu Mosque was built between 1738-1739 by Çarsancak Beyi Osman Ağa. It takes its name from the lead covering its dome. The rectangular-planned structure has a square-bodied sanctuary covered by a single dome, with four windows in the drum. The last congregation area has three domes, and its minaret is crafted from cut stone.
The most striking part of the mosque is its minbar. This kündekari artwork, over 835 years old, originally belonged to Harput Grand Mosque. Made by interlocking geometric wooden pieces without using nails, the minbar was moved here for security reasons. The plane tree planted in the garden during the same period accompanies the mosque's imposing appearance, its centuries-old trunk almost becoming a part of the structure.
Being within walking distance of Harput Castle, it is a natural stop on a Harput tour. It is approximately 10 minutes by car from Elazığ city center and can be easily visited on the same route as Harput Grand Mosque and Harput Castle.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Elazığ historical places, Sori Waterfall.
Guide's Note
Why is Kurşunlu Mosque Important?
It is considered one of the most striking examples of Ottoman-era mosque architecture in Harput. With its square-planned sanctuary, single dome, and three-domed last congregation area, it displays a classic Ottoman provincial mosque layout. The true value of the mosque lies in its minbar: the 835-year-old kündekari minbar, made without nails and originally belonging to Harput Grand Mosque, was moved here for security reasons. With its geometric wooden craftsmanship, this minbar is one of the rare examples from the Anatolian Seljuk period.
Best Time to Visit
Harput can be hot in summer and cold and snowy in winter. Spring and early autumn months are more comfortable for visiting. Since visits may be restricted during prayer times, it is more suitable to go during intermediate hours. It is also possible to fit Harput Castle and other historical mosques in the vicinity into the same day.
How to Get There?
From Elazığ city center, it takes approximately 10 minutes by car to Harput Neighborhood. City dolmuş lines operate to Harput, and the road is easy for those going by private car. The mosque is located just east of Hoca Hasan Bath, within walking distance of Harput Castle.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
The mosque itself can be explored in 20-30 minutes. However, since the Harput region also includes Harput Castle, Harput Grand Mosque, and other historical structures, touring the entire neighborhood might take half a day.
Its Place on the Harput Tour Route
Kurşunlu Mosque is a frequently visited stop on Harput's historical mosque route. It forms a chain visited together with Harput Grand Mosque, Ağa Mosque, Alacalı Mosque, and Sarahatun Mosque. It makes sense to stop by before climbing to the castle or while descending in a loop, as it's already on the way and no detour is needed.
Good Spots for Photography
The centuries-old plane tree in the mosque's courtyard creates a beautiful composition in the same frame as the structure's cut stone minaret. You can prefer afternoon hours to see how the lead covering of the dome shines with the light.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Since the mosque is still open for worship, it is necessary to wear appropriate attire. During prayer times, it is more suitable to examine the architecture from the outside rather than touring the interior. Be mindful of the privacy of the congregation when taking photos.
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