Ulu Cami (Tokat), located in Tokat city center, dates back to the 13th century from the Danishmend period. It is a rare example of Seljuk-Danishmend architecture in Anatolia, featuring pen-work decorations on its wooden ceiling and two separate last prayer sections in the east-west direction.
The initial construction of Tokat Ulu Cami is believed to date back to the Danishmend period, the 13th century. Its current form largely remains from the extensive renovation carried out in 1679 during the reign of Avcı Mehmed. The most striking feature of the rectangular-plan mosque is that it has two separate last prayer sections, one on the east and one on the west facade. This is considered a unique example among mosques in Anatolia. Reused columns and column capitals have been used at both entrances.
The structure, which looks plain from the outside, gives a different atmosphere once inside. The wooden ceiling is covered with pen-work decorations dominated by red and green tones, and the square ceiling boss is crafted with a false kundekari technique and adorned with gold leaf. The pillars and arches supporting the wooden ceiling are also decorated with Rumi motif pen-work. In the southeast corner, there is a birdhouse carved into stone; such structures are rarely seen in Anatolia and were added to mosques in the past to provide shelter for birds. Visitors say that the pastel colors and wall painting motifs on the ceiling attract more attention than expected.
The mosque is still an active place of worship, so visits may be somewhat restricted during prayer times. Sometimes male students are seen taking Quran lessons. It is more comfortable for both you and the congregation to visit outside of prayer hours. Its location on the road leading up to Tokat Castle, within walking distance of the city square, is also an advantage: Tokat Museum, Tokat City Museum, and the historical structure considered to be Anatolia's first independent public toilet building are all in this vicinity and can be added to the same walk.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Tokat historical places, Almus Dam Lake.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Since the mosque is an active place of worship, timing your visit outside of prayer times will ensure a more comfortable experience. During some visits, male students may be seen taking Quran lessons; it is more appropriate to wait a little instead of entering during these hours. Spring and autumn months are suitable for both weather conditions and the walking route in the city center.
How to Get There
Ulu Cami is located in Tokat city center, in Camii-Kebir Neighborhood, on the road leading up to the castle. Thanks to its proximity to the city square, walking is the most practical way to reach it while exploring the city. It is sufficient to come to the city center by public transport or taxi and continue on foot from there.
How Much Time to Allocate
20-30 minutes is sufficient for the mosque itself; those who want to examine the wooden ceiling and its decorations in detail may stay a little longer. However, it is more logical to include Ulu Cami not alone, but as part of a half-day walking route with the surrounding Tokat Museum, Tokat City Museum, and the castle.
Good Spots for Photos
The most striking shot inside is to stand under the wooden ceiling and frame the kundekari-technique ceiling boss and the red-green pen-work. The stone birdhouse in the southeast corner is also worth photographing up close, a small but detailed craftsmanship. The facades showing the mosque's two separate last prayer sections from the outside also provide a good frame to illustrate the architecture.
Things to Pay Attention To
Since the mosque is still open for worship, it is important to be quiet and respectful, and not to disturb those who are praying. Women are expected to wear headscarves, and everyone is expected to enter with appropriate attire. For wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility, there may be level differences, especially at the entrance. It is advisable to inquire about the current accessibility status before going and, if possible, to go with an escort.
What's Around
The mosque is on the road leading up to Tokat Castle and a few minutes' walk from the city square. The Tokat Museum (Archaeology and Ethnography Museum), Tokat City Museum, and the historical structure known as Anatolia's first independent public toilet building can also be added to the same walk. This way, it is possible to see the city's history and culture together within a short distance.
Architectural and Historical Background
The initial construction of the mosque dates back to the Danishmend period in the 13th century; its current form bears the traces of the extensive renovation carried out in 1679 during the reign of Avcı Mehmed. The rectangular-plan structure is noted as a unique example in Anatolia for having separate last prayer sections on its east and west facades. The pillars and arches supporting the wooden ceiling are decorated with Rumi motif pen-work, and the reused columns indicate that the structure utilized materials from different periods.
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