Abdi Pasa Peygamber Camii in Isparta, built in 1782–83, is the city's only mosque featuring decorative Kutahya tiles from the 18th century, with a minaret decorated in turquoise tile plaques.
Known among the people as Kavakli Camii, Tiled Camii or Prophet Camii, but its official name is Abdi Pasa Peygamber Camii. According to its inscription, it was built in H. 1196-97 / M. 1782-83. There was a dilapidated Qadi Mosque in its place before, which was demolished and replaced with this building. It has a square plan, wooden ceiling, and is covered with a broken vault on top. The minaret in the northwest corner has double balconies; its body has decorative bands of turquoise tile plaques, and the balcony bottoms are muqarnaed.
The main attention-grabbing feature of the mosque is the facade of the last congregation area facing the prayer hall. Here, XVIII. century Kutahya tiles cluster around the mihrabiye areas. This is why it is Isparta's only mosque with tile decoration. The last congregation section, supported by seven columns with a flat wooden ceiling, ends with a triangular tympanum on the entrance axis of the roof. The mosque underwent repairs in 1832, 1879, 1888, 1914 and 1950. It has remained open for worship throughout the centuries.
Most visitors come here to pray, while some enter only to see the tiles. Comments frequently mention that the interior is simple but spacious, and that cleanliness is maintained. Being so close to Kaymakkaapi Meydani makes it a practical option for those wanting a short break in the city center.
Guide's Note
Best time to visit
The mosque is open for visits during prayer times and throughout the day. Those who want to examine the tiles and architecture calmly will find the hours outside of prayer times more suitable. It may become crowded briefly before and after the call to prayer. In spring and autumn, Isparta's weather is neither too hot nor too cold, making it more comfortable to add the mosque to your city tour during these seasons.
How to get there
Address: Celebiler District, Universitesi Street No:15. Right near Kaymakkaapi Meydani, those staying in the city center can reach it on foot. For those coming from the bus station or outside the city, city minibus lines run to the center, from where the mosque is just a few minutes' walk away.
Best spots for photography
The most striking view is the facade of the last congregation area facing the prayer hall: five windows on top, four below with pointed arches, and densely clustered Kutahya tiles between them. The turquoise tile bands on the minaret's body are also well visible from outside, especially in the afternoon when the light hits directly. Photos taken from the meydani side also capture the mosque's stone-framed, pointed arch windows.
How much time to spend
The mosque is small-scale; 15-25 minutes is sufficient. Those wishing to pray may stay longer. As part of a tour of Isparta center, it can be easily added to a half-day walking route that includes other stops around Kaymakkaapi Meydani.
Things to keep in mind when visiting
Since it is an active place of worship, one should move with respectful pace during prayer times. Removing shoes at the entrance and women covering their heads are general mosque etiquette applicable here as well. Comments frequently mention that the space is kept clean and well-maintained. It is appropriate to act in a way that preserves this order.
The mosque's history and architecture
According to its inscription, the mosque was built in H. 1196-97 / M. 1782-83 in place of the previously dilapidated Qadi Mosque. The prayer hall has a square plan, wooden ceiling, and is covered with a broken vault on top. The east facade has three windows below and four above, the west facade has three below and five above, the south facade has four windows both below and above; all are framed with stone and have pointed arches. The minaret rises on a square base at the north end of the west facade and has double balconies. It underwent repairs in 1832, 1879, 1888, 1914 and 1950.
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