Garipler Mosque, built by Melik Danişmend Gazi between 1080-1090 at the foot of Tokat Castle, is known as the oldest Turkish-Islamic mosque in Anatolia after the Battle of Manzikert; it is recognized by its green glazed brick minaret.
Garipler Mosque is a small structure nestled on the hillside where Tokat Castle is located, in Pazarcık Neighborhood. It is believed to have been built between 1080-1090 by Melik Danişmend Gazi, who conquered Tokat. It is known as the first Turkish-Islamic mosque built in Anatolia after the 1071 Battle of Manzikert. Due to the green glazed bricks on its minaret, locals call it the Green Minaret Mosque.
Its plan type is the same as the Degaron Mosque, a Karakhanid structure from 1040 near Bukhara. This indicates the mosque's connection to Central Asian Turkish architecture. The structure underwent renovation in 2008. Visitors are greeted with a simple space: there is no ornate crown gate or large courtyard, but the stone craftsmanship in the mihrab and the details on the columns are noteworthy. Some visitors, looking at the column carvings, believe the structure might have been a church previously. This is not definitive information, but merely an interpretation based on observations.
The mosque is still open for worship and is used during daily prayer times. Due to its small scale, a visit is short, but considering its historical layers, this is one of Tokat's most special stops.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since the mosque is actively used, hours outside of prayer times are more comfortable for visiting. It makes sense to plan it as part of an itinerary that includes other historical sites in Tokat (such as the Castle, Latifoğlu Mansion). In spring and autumn, the weather is milder, making it easier to add to a walking route.
How to Get There
The mosque is located in Pazarcık Neighborhood in Tokat city center, near the hillside of the castle. It is possible to reach it on foot from the city center; for those going by car, there is parking nearby. It can be considered the starting point of the route leading up to Tokat Castle.
How Much Time to Allocate
Since the mosque is small in scale, 15-25 minutes is sufficient. However, if you plan to visit Tokat Castle, you can combine these two into the same itinerary and plan a half-day tour.
Other Stops Nearby
Garipler Mosque is at the foot of Tokat Castle, so it can be planned together with a castle visit. Latifoğlu Mansion and Hatuniye Mosque in the city center are also within walking distance; it's a good starting point for a half-day historical tour.
Visiting Rules
As it is used as a mosque, shoes are not allowed inside, and food and drinks are not permitted. Modest clothing is preferred. It is recommended to contact mosque officials before visiting to determine suitable hours, especially for group visits.
Good Spots for Photography
From the outside, the green glazed bricks on the minaret are a prominent detail. Inside, the stone craftsmanship in the mihrab and the carvings on the columns are interesting for photography; visitors note that these details are simple yet impressive.
Historical Significance
Garipler Mosque is considered the first Turkish-Islamic mosque built in Anatolia after the 1071 Battle of Manzikert. It is believed to have been built by Melik Danişmend Gazi between 1080-1090. In terms of plan type, it bears similarities to the Degaron Mosque, a Karakhanid structure from 1040 near Bukhara; this indicates that the mosque carries traces of the Central Asian Turkish architectural tradition. The structure was restored in 2008.
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