Caferiye Mosque

The five-line inscription at the entrance of the mosque clearly states its founder and date: it was built in 1645 during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim by Hacı Cafer Efendi, son of Ebubekir, who was the treasurer of Erzurum. Cafer Efendi did not build just a mosque, but a complex consisting of a mosque, madrasah, school, Turkish bath, dervish lodge (çilehane), and a nine-spouted fountain. Today, only the mosque, school, dervish lodge, and one of the fountains remain from this complex. To the left of the mosque's portico, there is also a tomb belonging to its founder, dated 1650.

It is a square-plan, single-domed structure. The dome rests on trompe transitions at the corners and is reflected externally by a three-tiered octagonal drum. The portico (son cemaat yeri) consists of three small domes hidden under a sloping roof supported by four columns; this section was uncovered during the 2006 restoration. The metal-worked inscription above the entrance gate is known as the only example among the mosques in Erzurum. For photographs, it is necessary to look closely at the column capitals in the portico and the inscription above the door.

The mihrab is made of cut stone and has muqarnas squinches; there are two different inscriptions above and below it, one stating the date of construction and the other urging prayers for imams. The minbar stands out with its original door decorated with geometric motifs, and there is a 12-line inscription above the door. A frieze with the Qasida al-Burda inscription runs around the base of the dome, and panels with the names of Allah, Muhammad, and the four caliphs are inscribed between the arches. The mosque's endowment deed is written in 14 lines on the qibla wall.

The mosque is located on Cumhuriyet Street in the center of Erzurum. It is possible to reach it by public transport from different parts of the city, or on foot if you are staying close to the center. Since Erzurum Grand Mosque is across the street, visiting both mosques on the same walk is a practical solution.

The mosque is small and compact; visiting the mihrab, minbar, and portico takes 15-25 minutes. Combined with the nearby Grand Mosque and other historical structures on Cumhuriyet Street, it can turn into a half-day walking route.

Visitors state that the interior of the mosque is kept clean and tidy, and the ablution facilities are well-maintained. Some write that there is a pleasant smell inside and that the architecture is small but impressive. In some comments, there are complaints about a fee for using the ablution facilities. It would be healthier to get up-to-date information from mosque officials on this matter.