Niksar Ulu Camii, located in Niksar district of Tokat outside the castle walls, is the city's oldest mosque, built in the mid-12th century during the Danishmendites period, notable for its stone gate and brick minaret.
Niksar Ulu Camii has no inscription, so we cannot determine its construction date with certainty. Oral tradition and endowment records point to the period between 1143-1164, during the reign of Danishmendite ruler Nizameddin Yagibasan. It appears in Evliya Çelebi's travel account as Melik Gazi Camii; in local sources it has been called Bey Camii, Cami-i Kebir, or Çepni Beyzade Hasan Bey Camii. It is also said that the structure was commissioned by Çepnizade Hasan Bey, but this is not certain.
The mosque has a rectangular plan oriented north-south, located on the southeast of the castle walls, outside the fortifications. The stone gate on the north facade is the most striking element: surrounded by two borders, the outer one with geometric motifs, the inner one with swastika patterns. Above the gate are two rosettes developed from a 12-pointed star. On the west facade, a brick minaret rises above a polygonal base that extends the full height of the building; five supporting buttresses of different sizes on the same facade are noteworthy. The minaret's shaft and cap collapsed in the 1939 earthquake, and the mihrab niche was buried underground. The structure was repaired in subsequent periods.
Most visitors speak of the simplicity and serenity they feel upon entering; they say it is a warm space where a different atmosphere is experienced during worship. Recent renovations have largely solved heating problems, and it is now noted that prayers can be performed more comfortably in winter. Some have written that the stone craftsmanship and centuries-old texture create a feeling of traveling back in time upon entering through the door.
Guide's Note
When Should You Visit?
The mosque is open outside prayer times too, but the most comfortable visit is during calm hours before noon prayer. Spring and autumn offer better weather for exploring Niksar; summer midday heat can make walking around the castle area tiring. If you happen to arrive during prayer time, it is best to wait respectfully at a distance and enter afterwards.
How to Get There?
Niksar is approximately 60 kilometers from Tokat city center. Regular minibus services operate from Tokat or Erbaa. After reaching the district center, the mosque is located just outside the castle walls, in Çepnibey Neighborhood; it can be reached on foot or by a short taxi ride from the center.
Transportation Within Niksar
Niksar center is small and walkable. It is possible to visit Ulu Camii together with other historical sites such as Niksar Castle and Melik Gazi Mausoleum in a single walking route. Local minibuses are also available, but if you are staying near the center, walking is more practical.
How Much Time Should You Allow?
20-30 minutes is sufficient for the mosque itself. But if you've come to Niksar, you'll want to see the castle, mausoleum, and surrounding historical fabric; allowing half a day for this is more realistic.
Suggested Route
Starting from Niksar Castle and descending to reach Ulu Camii is a logical sequence. The mosque, located outside the castle walls, is a natural stop on this route. If time permits, you can complete the day with Melik Gazi Mausoleum and other historical structures in the area.
Important Considerations
Since it is an active place of worship, it is important to behave respectfully when entering during prayer times and not to speak loudly. It is helpful for women to carry a headscarf. Ongoing renovation work at the structure can sometimes restrict access to certain areas.
Photography Spots
The stone gate on the north facade stands out as the most striking photography spot, with its geometric and swastika-patterned borders. The brick minaret on the west facade, especially when photographed from a low angle, effectively captures the mosque's height. Early morning light brings out the details of the stone texture more clearly.
Historical Background
The structure shows traces of additions and repairs from different periods; this indicates that the mosque underwent multiple renovations over centuries. The existence of such a great mosque in Niksar, which served as the Danishmendites' capital, testifies to the period's importance. Severely damaged in the 1939 earthquake, the structure was repaired in subsequent periods to reach its current state.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com.tr and may not be copied without permission.
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