Erdoğdu Bey Mosque is a historic mosque in Trabzon, built in 1577 by Governor Erdoğdu Bey, known for its muqarnas mihrab niche and stone masonry, and is free to enter.
Erdoğdu Bey Mosque also gave its name to the neighborhood it is located in. It was built in the Hijri year 985, corresponding to 1577 AD, by Trabzon Governor Erdoğdu Bey; previously there was a small masjid in the same place, and when it fell into disrepair, the current building rose in its place. It is mentioned as "Cami-i Erdoğdu Bey" in Aşık Mehmet's travelogue. It is also known as Tekfurçayırı Mosque.
The structure was built using cut stone and rubble stone with a masonry technique. It belongs to the group of mosques with flat wooden ceilings and has a hipped roof. The mihrab niche has a muqarnas squinch; rose motifs are found in the spandrels, and an inscription band runs above. The inscription above the mihrab dates to 1899, belonging to the mosque's last major renovation, and contains the 37th verse of Surah Al-i Imran. The minbar is wooden and simple, mostly dating from the 1970 renovation. The mosque was restored again in 1970 and 2006, with the last restoration undertaken by the Regional Directorate of Foundations.
After a new mosque was built next to it, Erdoğdu Bey Mosque became partially used, but it is not closed for worship. Visitors speak of the tranquility of the place and the authentic atmosphere of the interior, some have written that their prayers unintentionally extended here. There are also those who are satisfied with the attention of the staff.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Trabzon historical places, Sümela Monastery.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The mosque is small and quiet, not a crowded tourist destination. Outside of prayer times, especially between noon and afternoon prayer, you can comfortably see the interior. Around Friday prayer times, neighborhood residents come to the mosque; do not choose that interval for your visit.
How to Get There
The mosque is located in Erdoğdu Neighborhood, part of Trabzon city center. It is easy to reach by public transport from the city center: bus lines 104, 121, 133A, 133D, and 135B pass through the route. The nearest stop is İsmetpaşa Primary School-2, about a 4-minute walk to the mosque. If you are going by your own car, the neighborhood streets are narrow, so allow some time for parking.
Location within the City
Erdoğdu Neighborhood is one of Trabzon's central residential areas. The mosque stands in the middle of the neighborhood, within daily life. Since it is slightly off the main tourist routes, it is a stop you can easily add to your itinerary when visiting other historical mosques in Trabzon city center.
Details for Photography
The cut stone masonry on the facade and the wooden double-leaf entrance door are good starting points for exterior shots. Inside, the main point of interest is the mihrab: the muqarnas squinch, the rose decorations in the spandrels, and the inscription band at the top. The 1899 renovation inscription is also above the mihrab and can be read up close.
What to Pay Attention to During Your Visit
The building is still actively open for worship, and appropriate attire and behavior are expected in accordance with mosque etiquette. Since the new mosque built next to it is larger and more visible, you might overlook the historical structure; follow the garden entrance to reach the historical building. Visitor comments express satisfaction with the attention from the staff.
Brief History of the Structure
The mosque is named after Trabzon Governor Erdoğdu Bey. At the time it was built, there was a smaller masjid in the same place; when that masjid fell into disrepair, the foundation of the current mosque was laid in 1577. Over the centuries, it underwent renovations in 1899, 1970, and 2006. Most of the details you see today are from these renovations.
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