Soğuk Su Mosque is a small, cut-stone neighborhood mosque built in the 19th century by Müslim Bey in Giresun's Şeyh Keramettin Neighborhood; it was renovated in 1895 and registered in 1986.
Soğuk Su Mosque stands in the Şeyh Keramettin Neighborhood, Giresun city center. It is a small neighborhood mosque with a rectangular plan, built of cut stone. Its exact construction date is unknown. An inscription above the closed door states that a philanthropist named Müslim Bey had it built in the second half of the 19th century. It was rebuilt in 1895 by District Governor Mahmut Rüştü Bey.
The structure has a hip roof covered with Marseille tiles. The facades feature rectangular windows on the lower row and round-arched windows on the upper row. The single-balcony concrete minaret at the northeast corner was added later and does not possess significant architectural features. Inside, the old wooden gallery on wooden columns was demolished in 1979 and replaced with a concrete floor. However, the cut-stone mihrab has remained original with the main structure. The minbar, being newly built, has no historical value.
In 1986, it was registered as a cultural property requiring protection by the High Council of Immovable Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Do not expect a large and grand structure. For those who wish to see the neighborhood mosque architecture of Giresun and 19th-century stone craftsmanship, it is a small but authentic stop.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Mosque
The exact construction date of Soğuk Su Mosque is not clear. The inscription above its closed door states that it was built by a philanthropist named Müslim Bey in the second half of the 19th century. In 1895, the district governor of the time, Mahmut Rüştü Bey, had the mosque rebuilt. The structure you see today largely dates from this period.
Architectural Details
It is a rectangular-plan structure made of cut stone. The hip roof is covered with Marseille tiles, and the eaves are kept narrow. Rectangular windows on the lower row and round-arched windows on the upper row are noteworthy on the facade. The cut-stone mihrab is the only element that has remained original with the main structure. The minbar, however, was renovated later and has no architectural value. The concrete minaret at the northeast corner was also added later, a simple structure with a single balcony.
How to Get There
It is located in Şeyh Keramettin Neighborhood in Giresun city center. It can be reached by walking or a short taxi ride from the city center. If you are driving your own car, you can approach by targeting Gazi Paşa Street; the surroundings consist of narrow neighborhood streets.
How Much Time to Allocate
Since it is a small-scale structure, 15-20 minutes is sufficient. This time is enough to examine the facade details, the inscription, and the window arrangement, and to take a few photos. It can be added to a Giresun city center tour, such as the Giresun Castle or Zeytinlik Neighborhood route.
Other Stops Nearby
There are other historical mosques in Giresun city center, such as Kapu Mosque. It makes sense to include Soğuk Su Mosque in a city walking route that also covers Giresun Castle and the historical Zeytinlik Neighborhood. All are within close proximity to the center.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The structure is still actively used as a mosque, so it is not suitable for visits during prayer times. The main entrance with the inscription above the door is closed, so it needs to be examined from the outside. Do not expect a large and ornate structure; the mosque's value lies in its simplicity and history.
Protection Status
The mosque has been registered as a cultural property requiring protection by the High Council of Immovable Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism with decision number 1917 dated 14.02.1986.
Soğuk Su Mosque Videos
Soğuk Su Mosque videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
