Kurşunlu Mosque / Sivrihisar

The inscription indicates the Hijri year 898, which is 1492. The patron was Sheikh Baba Yusuf; this date, coinciding with the reign of Bayezid II, marks a period when Ottoman architectural expansion in Anatolia gained momentum. Some sources also mention 1488 or 1517 as the construction date; however, the inscription takes 1492 as the basis.

The complex is not solely composed of the mosque. The adjacent rfaniye Madrasah indicates that it was an important center of learning in the region during its construction. Sivrihisar was on one of Anatolia's critical routes during the Seljuk and early Ottoman periods; this location explains why the religious and educational structures here are so early dated.

The plan is simple: a single-domed prayer hall (harim) with a three-domed portico (son cemaat yeri) in front. Cut stone and brick were used together as materials; this combination is frequently seen in early Ottoman structures. The name Kurşunlu (meaning 'leaded') comes from the lead covering the roof.

The three domes of the portico are kept smaller compared to the main dome of the prayer hall. The facade is symmetrical, and the ornamentation is quite restrained. This style, which avoids ostentation, aligns with the Anatolian Ottoman tradition of the period.

The most suitable period to visit Sivrihisar is spring and autumn. In summer, the district can be quite hot; winter sometimes brings snow. Since the mosque is actively used, it can get crowded during prayer times. Hours before noon offer a quieter visit.

There is approximately 75 km distance from Eskişehir city center to Sivrihisar. Regular minibus services operate from Eskişehir bus terminal to Sivrihisar. For those traveling by car, the Eskişehir-Sivrihisar road is a single lane and straight; it takes approximately 1 hour.

After reaching Sivrihisar district center, it is sufficient to follow Nasrettin Hoca Street. The mosque is visibly located on the street.

It makes sense to combine Kurşunlu Mosque with other structures in Sivrihisar. The Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami, 1231) is within walking distance and is a much older structure. Hortu, the village where Nasrettin Hodja was born, is approximately 10 km from the district; it is easily accessible by car.

It is possible to comfortably complete all these stops in one day. Leaving Eskişehir in the morning and arriving in Sivrihisar before noon leaves enough time to return in the afternoon.

The exterior facade of the mosque, especially the three domes of the portico, provides good photographs in different lights throughout the day. Morning light illuminates the east-facing facade. The view of the dome from inside the courtyard clearly shows the proportions of the structure.

The courtyard of the adjacent rfaniye Madrasah also offers a useful area for framing. A wide-angle lens is helpful for capturing the entire complex.

Sivrihisar stands out on Eskişehir's gastronomy map with its raw pastry (i brei). It is possible to find fresh raw pastry in the small restaurants in the district center. Besides this, there are a few places offering village breakfast. Staying in the district for lunch and returning to Eskişehir in the evening is a practical plan.