Nuh Nebi Mosque and Madrasah is a historic mosque complex located in Cizre's Dağ Kapı Neighborhood, dated to the 13th-century Seljuk period along with the tomb of Prophet Noah; entry is free.
This structure, known as Nuh Nebi, actually appears with two different records. In the records of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it is listed as a mosque-madrasah complex within the village cemetery in Birlik (Cuma) Village, affiliated with Silopi. The one visited by the public in Cizre is the Tomb and Mosque of Prophet Noah in Dağ Kapı Neighborhood. Although both are referred to by the same name, they are different structures. The mosque with a tomb in Cizre is one of the most visited religious sites in the region.
The construction date is not clear as there is no inscription on the structure. Its plan and architectural features suggest dating the structure to the Seljuk period, the early 13th century. The mosque is a rectangular, two-aisled structure extending in an east-west direction; there is a room at the eastern side of each aisle, and its entrance is from the courtyard. In the tomb in Cizre, the sarcophagus believed to belong to Prophet Noah can be seen by descending a narrow section reached by stairs to the basement floor in the southern part of the mosque.
In visitor comments, the structure is described as a spiritual symbol of Cizre. Some express their devotion by calling it "grandfather." It is described as a large mosque with a tomb in its courtyard, where it is free to visit and pray, shoes are removed at the entrance, and women can enter with appropriate attire.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The Şırnak and Cizre region gets quite hot in the summer, so spring or autumn months are more comfortable for a visit. Going early in the day is sensible both to avoid the heat and to catch a quieter time at the mosque. It's worth considering that crowds may increase during Friday prayer times.
How to Get There
The Tomb and Mosque of Prophet Noah in Cizre is located on Şen Street in Dağ Kapı Neighborhood. It can be reached by walking or a short taxi ride from the district center. From Şırnak city center, Cizre can be reached by private car or minibuses, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour.
The other structure mentioned in the Culture Portal records and referred to by the same name is in Birlik (Cuma) Village, affiliated with Silopi district, 2 kilometers from the district center. It can be reached quickly by private car from Silopi center to the village.
Transportation within Cizre
Since Cizre is a small district center, it is often possible to walk to Dağ Kapı Neighborhood from the city center. If you are staying near the bus terminal or intercity stops, a short taxi ride is sufficient.
Visit Duration
A visit to the mosque and tomb usually takes 30-45 minutes. If you plan to visit other points in Cizre, such as the historic bridge and bazaar, half a day is sufficient.
Things to Consider
As it is a religious site, it is important to adhere to entry rules: shoes are removed at the door, and women are expected to enter with a headscarf and appropriate attire. The stairs leading down to the tomb can be narrow and dimly lit, so it's advisable to step carefully. Also, remember that there are two different structures referred to by the same name; clarifying which address you are going to beforehand will prevent confusion.
Photo Spots
The mosque's courtyard and the tomb entrance offer beautiful shots showcasing the structure's stone craftsmanship. Inside, the pointed-arch aisles and the stairs leading to the tomb are also visually striking for photography. As it is a religious site, it is necessary to be respectful of worshippers when taking photos.
The Story of the Structure
The structure, which has no inscription, is dated to the Seljuk period due to its architectural features. Its rectangular plan extending in an east-west direction, its two-aisled structure, and the rooms on the east side of the aisles reflect the mosque-madrasah tradition of the period. The connection established with Prophet Noah among the public has made the structure one of the important centers of faith in the region.
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