The İklime Hatun Mosque and Tomb is a small-scale structure made of cut stone, built in 1547 in the Kurtuluş Neighborhood of Kahramanmaraş in the name of İklime Hatun, a member of the Dulkadiroğlu dynasty; it consists of a tomb to the south and a mosque to the north and can be visited free of charge.
The İklime Hatun Mosque was built by İklime Hatun, daughter of Şahruh Bey, son of Alaüddevle Bozkurt Bey, in H.954 / M.1547. Although it belongs to the Ottoman period, it is also known as a Dulkadiroğlu work among the public because it was built by members of the Dulkadiroğlu dynasty. The structure consists of two separate domed spaces: a tomb to the south and a mosque to the north. The mosque, built of cut and rubble stone, belongs to the class of single-domed mosques with its oval dome; the cylindrical mihrab niche is covered by a semi-dome supported by columns. The tomb can be reached from the door in the qibla wall of the mosque or from a door later opened from the courtyard. The single stone sarcophagus inside belongs to İklime Hatun.
The most interesting feature of the building is its positioning. The roofs of several shops in the bazaar form the courtyard of the mosque; this small structure, which has no minaret, is almost invisible from the outside until one enters its courtyard. While the last prayer area (son cemaat yeri) in Turkish-Islamic architecture is usually located on the north facade, in the İklime Hatun Mosque, since the south is the tomb and the east and north are surrounded by buildings and shops, the last prayer area has been moved to the west, which is the only open facade. Visitors state that the structure has largely preserved its originality; a prominent point in the comments is the difficulty of noticing the building's existence until entering the courtyard. Hidden in the city center, just above the covered bazaar, this mosque also attracted attention as one of the rare historical structures that survived the 2023 earthquakes without damage.
The mosque, owned by the Foundations, has been allocated to the Presidency of Religious Affairs as a mosque, has an imam, and congregational prayers are held at prayer times. The İklime Hatun Mosque, one of only two historical structures built in a woman's name in Kahramanmaraş, together with the Hatuniye Mosque, is an important cultural memory point representing the city's female heritage.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Kahramanmaraş historical places, Yeşilgöz Obruğu.
Guide's Note
History and Significance of the Structure
The İklime Hatun Mosque was built in 1547 by İklime Hatun, granddaughter of Alaüddevle Bozkurt Bey, during the late period of the Dulkadiroğlu Principality. Its construction by a woman from the Dulkadiroğlu dynasty during a period when Ottoman rule was establishing itself adds a distinct historical meaning to the structure. As one of only two historical structures built in a woman's name in Kahramanmaraş, the mosque, along with the Hatuniye Mosque, is a rare example symbolizing the city's female heritage.
Although the structure has undergone many repairs since its construction, it has largely preserved its original state. The mosque, owned by the General Directorate of Foundations, has been allocated to the Presidency of Religious Affairs and is still actively used for worship today.
Architectural Features and Photo Spots
The mosque and tomb are built of cut and rubble stone. Consisting of two domed spaces, a tomb to the south and a mosque to the north, the structure is classified as a single-domed mosque. The cylindrical mihrab niche of the mosque is covered by a semi-dome supported by columns. The tomb has an irregular rectangular plan and is covered by a dome resting on pointed arched squinches.
The most striking feature of the structure is the unusual location of the last prayer area. Since the south and east-north facades are surrounded by the tomb and surrounding buildings, the last prayer area has been moved to the west, which is the only open facade. The courtyard entrance and the tomb door offer the most productive spots for photography. It is important to avoid taking photos inside during prayer times out of respect for visitors.
When to Visit?
Since the mosque is open for congregational prayers at prayer times, it is logical to plan your visit accordingly. Spring and autumn months are the most suitable seasons to visit the historical bazaar area of Kahramanmaraş; the weather in the city center can be quite hot in summer. During Ramadan, a more intense atmosphere prevails around the mosque.
The structure, with its location intertwined with the Suk-i Maraş Bazaar, is a stop that can be combined with a bazaar trip. It is recommended to confirm visiting hours with the local mufti's office or the Regional Directorate of Foundations before going.
How to Get There?
The İklime Hatun Mosque is located in Kurtuluş Neighborhood, Dulkadiroğlu district, in the city center of Kahramanmaraş. It can be easily reached by city minibuses, public buses, and taxis. After finding Suk-i Maraş Bazaar, simply follow the stairs leading east from the middle section of the bazaar.
This structure, which has no minaret and is surrounded by the roofs of bazaar shops, is invisible from the outside until you enter the street. Following the İklime Hatun Street sign makes it easier to find the structure. Visitors also state that finding the structure takes some time; asking local shopkeepers in the bazaar for directions can be a practical solution.
Combine with a Surrounding Tour
The İklime Hatun Mosque is located on the same route as other important structures in the historical center of Kahramanmaraş. After visiting the Suk-i Maraş Bazaar, you can create a walking route that also includes Hatuniye Mosque, Saraçlar Bazaar, Şeyh Adil Fountain, and Malik Ejder Tomb. All these points are within walking distance of each other and offer enough content for a half-day historical center tour.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The mosque is an active place of worship; visitors are required to enter with a headscarf and modest clothing. During prayer times, a quiet and respectful demeanor is expected while the congregation worships. Since the structure is small-scale, space congestion may occur inside during visits with large groups.
Visitor comments include criticisms regarding the comfort conditions of the women's prayer area; the relevant mufti's office can be contacted regarding this. The path leading to the courtyard and the tomb has stairs, making it difficult for wheelchair or stroller users.
What to Eat Nearby?
Since the İklime Hatun Mosque is located right in the middle of Kahramanmaraş's historical bazaar area, there are many food and drink options nearby. Kahramanmaraş ice cream is the city's most famous delicacy; it can be tasted at traditional ice cream shops around the bazaar. The city's unique tarhana soup, Maraş-style kebab, and the tahini-molasses duo are also among the local flavors that can be easily found in the region.
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