Murat Pasha Mosque, built in Erzurum in 1573 by Kuyucu Murat Pasha, is the city's second classical Ottoman mosque with its square-plan central dome layout; its wooden craftsmanship and 19th-century decorations stand out.
Murat Pasha Mosque stands in the middle of the neighborhood and street that bear its name. According to its inscription, Kuyucu Murat Pasha, one of the viziers of Selim II, had this structure built in 1573 on the ruined foundation of an Ilkhanid mosque during his grand viziership in Erzurum. It is considered the city's second classical Ottoman mosque after the Lala Pasha Mosque in Erzurum; it served as a model for single-domed mosques built after it.
The square-plan prayer hall is covered by a central dome supported by six columns with muqarnas decorations resting on squinches in the corners. The dome drum has 12 windows and a band of Quranic verses below. The squinches and arches are adorned with European-style floral and leaf motifs in oil paint over plaster from the 19th century. This detail adds an unexpected layer to the classical Ottoman mosque interior. The mihrab is made of stone, with muqarnas, and set within a rectangular niche; the wooden door, minbar, and window shutters are considered among the best examples of Ottoman wooden craftsmanship.
The minaret stands independently from the structure, rising on an octagonal base, and is shared with the adjacent Ahmediye Madrasa. The old minaret was damaged in earthquakes and was replaced with the current one recently. The perimeter of the six columns supporting the last congregation area was also reinforced with metal bands for the same reason. The mosque, along with the adjacent hammam, Ana Hatun Tomb, and Ahmediye Madrasa, presents the appearance of a small complex (külliye).
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Erzurum historical places, Twin Minaret Madrasa.
Guide's Note
Why is Murat Pasha Mosque Important?
Being the second classical Ottoman mosque built in Erzurum after the Lala Pasha Mosque places the structure in a special position in the city's architectural history. Its square plan and single central dome layout served as a model for mosques built after it. The wooden door, minbar, and window shutters are considered among the best examples of Ottoman-era wooden craftsmanship. Pay special attention to these details.
Best Time to Visit
Erzurum winters are long and harsh. While indoor visits to the mosque are possible in all seasons, spring and summer months are more comfortable for examining the exterior facade and minaret details. Keeping visits short during prayer times or preferring times between prayers ensures a more comfortable visit.
How to Get There?
The mosque is located on Muratpaşa Street in the Yakutiye district, within the historical fabric around Erzincan Gate. It can be reached by walking or a short taxi ride from hotels and accommodation points in Erzurum city center. City dolmuşes (shared taxis) also stop at points close to the street.
Where to Look for Photos?
On the exterior, the main gate and frames made of red camber stone contrast with the cut stone walls. Inside, the light filtering through the 12 windows in the dome drum highlights the 19th-century floral and leaf motifs. Framing the minaret from a little distance from the mosque, along with its octagonal base, also provides a good shot.
Other Structures in the Vicinity
The mosque is not alone; together with the adjacent hammam, Ana Hatun Tomb, and Ahmediye Madrasa, it forms a small külliye (complex). Visiting these three structures during the same trip is a logical route to see Murat Pasha Mosque in its context. Other historical mosques in Erzurum and the Twin Minaret Madrasa are also within walking distance in the city center.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The mosque is still actively open for worship; visitor entry may be restricted during prayer times. Headscarves are recommended for women, and clothing that covers knees and arms for all visitors. Shoes are removed at the entrance, so wearing socks is practical.
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