Fethiye Mosque (Abdusselam Mosque) is an Ottoman-era mosque built in 1566 in Malatya's Yazıhan district; it features cut stone construction, a single dome, and a tabhane plan architecture.
Fethiye Mosque stands in the Fethiye Neighborhood, part of the Yazıhan district of Malatya. According to its inscription, it was built in 1566 by Mustafa Pasha, son of Abdusselam, the Beylerbeyi of Malatya. For this reason, it is known by both Fethiye Mosque and Abdusselam Mosque. Among the local people, the name Uzun Hasan Mosque is also common.
The structure belongs to the group of mosques with side rooms and a tabhane plan. The main space is entered through a round-arched door within a pointed-arched niche in the middle of the northern facade. What stands out inside is the plan's layout: the central area has been enlarged, the side rooms reduced, and the main space distinctly separated from these two side sections. The squinches at the four corners connect to an octagonal drum, which in turn connects to a slightly conical dome. The entire structure is built with cut stone using masonry techniques.
With a history of nearly five centuries, Fethiye Mosque is still open for worship today. Most visitors to Malatya city center see the New Mosque within the city, while those who go to Yazıhan encounter this simple but carefully planned example of Ottoman provincial architecture.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Malatya historical places, Levent Valley.
Guide's Note
About Fethiye Mosque
The mosque takes its name from the Fethiye Neighborhood where it is located. The name Abdusselam Mosque refers to its patron, Mustafa Pasha, son of Abdusselam. The inscription above the entrance gate indicates that the structure was completed in 1566. It is a simple but thoughtfully planned example of Ottoman provincial mosque architecture.
Best Time to Visit
Yazıhan and its surroundings are quite hot in summer. Spring or autumn months offer a more comfortable visit. Since the mosque is open for worship, it is more suitable to visit outside of prayer times.
How to Get There
From Malatya city center, Yazıhan district is reached by road, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Fethiye Neighborhood is close to the district center. Reaching by your own car or taxi is more practical than public transport, as regular bus services in the region are limited.
Good Spots for Photos
The pointed-arched niche on the northern facade and the round-arched stone gate within it are the most photographed details of the structure. The cut stone texture appears more distinct in the afternoon light. The angle where the dome connects to the octagonal drum from the outside also offers a good frame for exterior shots.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
As it is an active place of worship, it is necessary to be quiet and respectful during visits that coincide with prayer times. Women are advised to bring a headscarf, and all visitors are recommended to wear appropriate clothing. Since the mosque is in a small settlement, do not expect tourist infrastructure (cafes, souvenir shops, etc.) around it.
Other Stops Nearby
Those going to Yazıhan usually create an itinerary by combining it with the New Mosque in Malatya center and the historical Grand Mosque in Battalgazi on the same day. The historical texture of Battalgazi attracts more visitors than Fethiye Mosque. Planning two stops consecutively allows for efficient use of the day.
How Much Time to Allocate
20-30 minutes is sufficient for the mosque itself. Instead of dedicating a special day to Yazıhan, it is more logical to add it as an extra stop to a Malatya center and Battalgazi trip, as there are few other attractions in the region to fill a whole day on their own.
FAQ
Updated:
