Eskipazar Bayram Bey Mosque and Baths is a historical complex located in Ordu's Eskipazar neighborhood, consisting of a mosque built by the Hacıemiroğulları in the 1380s and 16th and 18th-century baths; it was restored and reopened for worship in 2025.
Eskipazar is considered Ordu's second settlement area and is approximately 6 kilometers away from the current city center. The mosque here was built by the Hacıemiroğulları Principality between 1380-1390; it is remembered as one of the first places of worship for Muslims in the region. In the Rumi year 1197 (Gregorian 1781), Şebinkarahisar governor Hüseyin Battal Pasha repaired the structure, and it was damaged in subsequent earthquakes and repaired again at the beginning of the century. Only the entrance door and portal of the original structure remain today; the window door and minbar, considered beautiful examples of wood carving, are exhibited in the Ankara Ethnography Museum.
The current minaret was built in 1877 on the base of the old minaret and was repaired by the General Directorate of Foundations in 1994. The mosque underwent extensive restoration in 2025; after the landscaping was completed, the first Friday prayer was performed, and it was reopened for worship. One visitor notes that the quality of the carpet after restoration was poor and that there were cobwebs on the windows; another says that the atmosphere of the place takes one back centuries.
To the south of the mosque is the 16th-century Great Bath: it consists of three sections – cold, warm, and hot – with rubble stone on the outside and cut stone on the inside. To its northeast is the Small Bath, dating to the 18th century, consisting of a single square space and a water tank. Comments frequently mention that the baths are neglected and dirty; a few visitors wrote that the door inside was open, but it gave the impression of never having been cleaned. Nevertheless, if you are interested in history, its hidden nature is, according to some travelers, a distinct charm of the place.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Ordu historical places, Çambaşı Plateau.
Guide's Note
History of Eskipazar Mosque
Eski Pazar is known as Ordu's second settlement area. The mosque was built by the Hacıemiroğulları Principality between 1380-1390; the rectangular structure is considered one of the first places of worship for Muslims in the region. In the Rumi year 1197 (Gregorian 1781), Şebinkarahisar governor Hüseyin Battal Pasha repaired the structure. The mosque, which was ruined in earthquakes, was repaired again at the beginning of the 20th century. Only the entrance door and portal of the original structure have survived to this day. The current minaret was built in 1877 on the base of the old minaret and was repaired by the General Directorate of Foundations in 1994.
Wood Carving and Lost Artifacts
One of the most striking features of the mosque is the wood carving on its window door and minbar. However, these original pieces are no longer in place; they are exhibited in the Ankara Ethnography Museum. Visitors can only see the entrance door and portal on site. One comment states that most of the artifacts have been lost, but despite this, the place is worth seeing. For those who want to take photos, the portal and entrance door details are the most original remaining parts of the mosque.
Great Bath and Small Bath
The Great Bath, located south of the mosque, dates back to the 16th century. It consists of three sections: cold, warm, and hot; its exterior is built with rubble stone, and its interior with regular cut stone, with domes and vaults used for the covering. The Small Bath, located to the northeast, dates to the 18th century and consists of a single square space and a water tank. Comments frequently complain that both baths are neglected and dirty; one visitor wrote that the door of the small bath was open, but its interior was quite dirty. Nevertheless, some travelers find it worth seeing even in this state if you are interested in history.
Condition After 2025 Restoration
The mosque underwent extensive restoration in 2025. After landscaping and being transformed into a clean place of worship, it was reopened for five daily prayers with accompanying prayers. However, some visitors are not satisfied with the post-restoration details: the lack of air conditioning causes discomfort during prayer, the carpet laid is of poor quality and dusty, and cobwebs are found on the glass sections. It is advisable to confirm the current situation through Ordu Metropolitan Municipality channels before visiting.
Transportation
Eskipazar Bayram Bey Mosque and Baths are located approximately 6 kilometers from Ordu city center, within the Botanical Garden and Kurul Castle complex. You can reach it quickly by your own vehicle or by taxi. For public transportation options from the city center, check local dolmuş lines.
How Much Time to Allocate
Visiting the mosque and the two baths together takes 30-45 minutes. Since the Botanical Garden and Kurul Castle are within the same complex, it is possible to explore the nearby area on foot while you are here. It can be planned for the same day as other sightseeing spots in Ordu city center; it does not fill a whole day on its own.
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