Ulu Mosque is the largest mosque in Kütahya, located in Börekçiler Neighborhood in the city center, started by Yıldırım Bayezid and completed by Çelebi Mehmed. It stands out with its columns brought from Aizanoi and a tile panel depicting the Kaaba, and admission is free.
Ulu Mosque is Kütahya's only imperial mosque. Its construction began between 1381-1384 by Prince Yıldırım Bayezid during his time as governor of Kütahya. As the work extended, it was completed in 1401 (according to some sources, in 1411) during the reign of Çelebi Mehmed. With its 48x26 meter rectangular plan, it still holds the title of the city's largest mosque.
The large columns inside the mosque are striking: they were brought from the ancient city of Aizanoi. During Suleiman the Magnificent's Rhodes campaign, Mimar Sinan repaired the structure, but the major transformation came in 1893 during the reign of Abdülhamid II. Until then, the mosque had no courtyard and a flat roof, but with this renovation, it gained its domed form. Today, two large domes supported by six columns and semi-domes on the sides can be seen. The tile panel depicting the Kaaba to the right of the mihrab is the detail most visitors stop to admire.
It has a single minaret in the northeast corner and three entrance doors. Opposite the main door is a water dispenser (sakahane), and inside, there is a small ablution fountain (şadırvan); above it rises the muezzin's platform supported by four columns. The mosque is approximately 30 meters from the Kütahya Tile Museum. It can easily be included in the same itinerary.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Kütahya historical places, Hayme Ana Tomb.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since Ulu Mosque is an active place of worship, visiting outside of prayer times allows for a calmer tour and provides an opportunity to examine the interior comfortably. As Kütahya winters are cold, spring-autumn offers better light for exterior facade photographs. Friday noon is crowded, so it's wise to avoid that time.
How to Get There?
The mosque is in Börekçiler Neighborhood, approximately 900 meters from the city center. The most practical way to reach it is to take city minibuses and buses from Kütahya bus terminal or train station to the center and then walk. If you are going by car, parking around the mosque is limited, so you may need to park a little further away and walk.
How Many Hours to Allocate?
30-45 minutes is sufficient to explore the mosque's interior, examine the columns and the tile panel. If you also include the nearby Tile Museum in your program, it makes for a total regional tour of 1.5-2 hours.
Nearby Stops
Approximately 30 meters behind Ulu Mosque is the Kütahya Tile Museum, which can be included in the same walk. Kütahya's historical bazaar area and other historical mosques are also close to the center; it's smart to prioritize this area for a one-day city tour.
Good Spots for Photography
The exterior facade of the mosque, especially shots taken from street level at an angle where the minaret is visible, yield good results. Inside, the tile panel around the mihrab and the dome details are also striking for photography. Be sure to take photos without flash and quietly.
Things to Pay Attention to When Visiting
As it is an active place of worship, it is necessary to wear modest clothing and remove shoes at the entrance. Visitor entry may be restricted during prayer times; it is best to wait or postpone your visit during these hours.
Historical Background of the Mosque
The construction began with the initiative of Prince Yıldırım Bayezid, who married Devlet Hatun, daughter of Germiyanoğulları bey Süleyman Şah, and became governor of Kütahya. Due to Bayezid's constant campaigns, the construction was prolonged, and its completion fell to his son Çelebi Mehmed. During the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, Mimar Sinan's repairs preserved the structure without a courtyard. The major transformation came with the renovation by Abdülhamid II in 1893, when the mosque acquired its current domed appearance.
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