Hatuniye Mosque

Hatuniye Mosque was built in 1509 by Alaüddevle Bey, one of the powerful rulers of the Dulkadirid Principality, in memory of his deceased wife, Şems Hatun. The fact that Şems Hatun was also the grandmother of Yavuz Sultan Selim gives the structure a significant position not only locally but also in Ottoman history. Due to this connection, the mosque is sometimes referred to as Şems Hatun Mosque.

The inscription above the courtyard entrance gate documents that the structure underwent renovation in 1906. Interventions made at different times have largely altered the original texture of the mosque. In the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, the minaret, which was the only element preserving its originality until today, was destroyed; restoration work is still ongoing.

The mosque has a sturdy and simple appearance with its outer walls constructed from cut stone. The last prayer section and the interior are covered with a wooden roof; this mixed construction technique stands out as a unique practice of the Dulkadirid period. The plan type features an outer portico, pavilion, and iwan, reflecting typical characteristics of traditional Ottoman residential architecture.

The structure was designed not merely as a mosque but as a külliye (complex). The madrasah and tomb next to it also served the educational and commemorative functions of the community. Visitors particularly emphasize the mosque's silhouette, integrated with its pavilion minaret, and the texture it forms with the surrounding historical houses.

Summers in Kahramanmaraş are quite hot. Visiting Hatuniye Mosque between April–June and September–November will be much more enjoyable. During these periods, you can both explore the city center on foot and comfortably examine the historical texture around the mosque.

The mosque can be crowded during Friday prayer times. If you wish to examine the architecture and interior peacefully, weekday hours before noon would be more suitable.

Hatuniye Mosque is within walking distance of Kahramanmaraş city center. It is located on Hatuniye Street, in Kurtuluş Neighborhood. After reaching the center by municipal buses and minibuses, you can easily find it by walking along the street. While parking is available in the vicinity for those coming by car, finding a parking spot in historical neighborhoods can sometimes be difficult.

The courtyard entrance gate of the mosque, with its cut stone craftsmanship and renovation inscription, offers a strong photographic frame. Wide-angle shots taken with the old Kahramanmaraş houses around it best reflect the historical texture. Morning light on the mosque facade and courtyard are the preferred hours to capture the best illumination during the day.

Hatuniye Mosque is located in the gastronomically rich historical center of Kahramanmaraş. In the immediate vicinity of the mosque, there are shops offering the city's famous Maraş ice cream, as well as kebab and lahmacun restaurants. Kahramanmaraş's unique hot pepper paste and tarhana soup are also among the local delicacies to try in local eateries.

Consider Hatuniye Mosque as part of your Kahramanmaraş historical center tour. On the same day, you can also visit the nearby Kahramanmaraş Castle, Taş Madrasah, and Ulu Mosque. Since all these points are within walking distance, it is possible to see the city's historical layers together with a half-day walking route.