Elazig, Turkey

Sultan Murad IV Mosque

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Ticket Free
Hours Open for worship;
Duration 20-30 minutes
Getting there The most practical way to reach Mollakendi…
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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.

Experience Summary

Guide's Note

Sultan Murad IV Mosque
A historic mosque built in 1635 by Sultan Murad IV during his Baghdad campaign, located in the Mollakendi town of Elazığ. It is registered as a Monumental Cultural Property with its stone-wood minbar, slightly leaning minaret, and the adjacent Tomb of Hz. Ahmedi Peykeri.
Sıdkı Alper NeresiGezilir Editor

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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FAQ

The mosque was built in 1635 during Sultan Murad IV's Baghdad campaign.

No, as it is actively used as a mosque, admission is free.

It is located in the Mollakendi town of Elazığ, on the Diyarbakır road, in the village center.

The most distinctive visual feature of the structure is that its minaret, attached to the west wall, has gradually leaned slightly to the right over time.

To the west of the mosque, there is the Tomb of Hz. Ahmedi Peykeri and the tomb of Hüseyin Pasha, marked by a turbaned tombstone with an Arabic inscription dated 1277 Hijri.

Mollakendi Municipality and Yurtbaşı Municipality Altyol and Üstyol lines pass by stops close to the mosque. The nearest stops are Organize Sanayi and Mezarlık, both within 6-7 minutes walking distance.

Open for worship; can be visited during prayer times and daytime hours.

The most practical way to reach Mollakendi town from Elazığ city center is by private car. For public transport, Mollakendi Municipality, Yurtbaşı Municipality Altyol and Üstyol lines pass by stops close to the mosque; the nearest stops are Organize

20-30 minutes

Spring and summer months, daytime hours. You can explore the interior more comfortably outside of prayer times.
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