Sultan Murad IV Mosque, located in Elazığ's Mollakendi town, is a historical mosque built in 1635 during Sultan Murad IV's Baghdad campaign, notable for its stone-wood minbar and slightly leaning minaret, and can be visited free of charge.
This mosque, located in the village center of Mollakendi, on the Diyarbakır road, was built by Murad IV during his Baghdad campaign in 1635. It is considered one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia, and despite nearly four centuries having passed, it is still open for worship. The structure consists of three sections: the front facade, the entrance hall, and the inner prayer area. To the north of the inner prayer section, there is a wooden upper prayer floor, while to the south stands the minbar and mihrab, crafted from a combination of stone and wood.
The minaret, attached to the west wall, has gradually leaned slightly to the right over time. This is the mosque's most striking physical feature. To its west is the Tomb of Hz. Ahmedi Peykeri, and next to it is a tomb belonging to Hüseyin Pasha, marked by a turbaned tombstone with an Arabic inscription dated 1277 (Hijri). The area is a quiet corner that carries the historical texture of Mollakendi, one of the villages around Harput.
The mosque is registered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as a Monumental Cultural Property. It is not a major tourist destination but rather a place of worship for the local community. For this reason, visits are calm and authentic.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Elazığ, Historical Places, Historical places in Elazığ, Lake Hazar.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Mosque
The mosque was built during Sultan Murad IV's Baghdad campaign in 1635. This structure, left by the Sultan in Mollakendi during his Eastern campaigns, is still known by his name in the region. With a history of approximately four centuries, it is considered one of Anatolia's oldest mosques and continues to remain open for worship despite the passage of time.
Architectural Details
The structure consists of three sections: the front facade, the entrance hall, and the inner prayer area. To the north of the inner prayer section, there is a wooden upper floor, while to the south, there is a minbar and mihrab made of a stone-wood mixture. The minaret, attached to the west wall, has gradually leaned slightly to the right. This lean is the mosque's most striking visual element, also providing an interesting photographic frame.
Best Time to Visit
Since the mosque is an active place of worship, it is more comfortable to visit outside of prayer times. In spring and summer, the greenery around Mollakendi also complements the trip. In winter, the region can experience cold and snowy weather, so dress accordingly.
Transportation
Driving from Elazığ city center to Mollakendi town by private car is the fastest option. Since it is located on the Diyarbakır road, it is also easy for those coming from outside the city to turn off. If you use public transport, you can get off at the Mollakendi Municipality, Yurtbaşı Municipality Altyol, and Üstyol lines. The closest stops to the mosque are Organize Sanayi and Mezarlık, both within walking distance.
How Much Time to Allocate
Visiting the mosque itself, along with the adjacent Tomb of Hz. Ahmedi Peykeri and the tombstone, takes 20-30 minutes. If you wish to take a short walk through the village texture of Mollakendi, you can extend the duration to an hour.
Other Places Nearby
On your historical route in Elazığ, you can also add the mosques and tombs in Harput, the Kubbeli Mosque, and Palu Castle. The village texture of Mollakendi serves as a quiet stop compared to the city's more well-known historical sites.
Things to Consider When Visiting
Since it is an active place of worship, it is appropriate to dress modestly and respectfully. Keeping your visit short during prayer times is important to avoid disturbing the local congregation. Confirm current visiting conditions locally before you go.
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