Iskenderpasa Mosque

According to its inscription, the mosque was built by Trabzon Governor Iskender Pasha in 936 H/1529 M. It is also mentioned in its endowment deed dated 1531. The original structure was a simple, single-domed mosque; it had a three-bay portico (son cemaat yeri) with a hipped roof to the north and a minaret at the northwest corner. Over time, it underwent three major renovations: the inscription on the garden gate indicates 1874, the inscription on the inner door indicates 1882-83, and the inscription on the mihrab indicates the 1897 renovation. During these interventions, the northern prayer hall wall was removed, two columns were added, and the portico was connected to the prayer hall, with a wider new one built in its place. The current Baroque mihrab is also thought to date from this last renovation period.

The mosque was built with a rubble masonry system using cut stone, and its minaret was constructed with an alternating technique where brick and colored stone are laid in sequence. The entrance on the west facade is a round-arched, double-leaf wooden door; the construction inscription is located directly above it. Inside, hand-drawn decorations are noteworthy. To see the texture of the minaret and the stone masonry, it is sufficient to look at the mosque from the outside, especially from the Square side; the afternoon light makes the stone-brick contrast more prominent.

The mosque is located just east of Trabzon Square, adjacent to the old municipality building. If you are staying in the city center, walking is the most practical way to reach it. For those coming by public transport, the nearest stop is Meydan Köprüaltı, approximately a 5-minute walk from the mosque; bus lines 119B, 121, 131, 208B, and 277A pass through here. Çömlekçi and Meydan Canbakkal stops are also alternative options within a 6-7 minute walk.

Since the mosque is actively used for worship, it is more comfortable to visit during hours outside of prayer times. The mosque becomes particularly crowded before and during Friday prayers. For a quiet observation, the hours after noon prayer or before afternoon prayer are suitable. As the area around Trabzon Square is already lively in the summer months, visiting the mosque becomes a natural part of a city tour.

The mosque is still an active place of worship, so it is necessary to behave respectfully during prayer times and, if necessary, wait outside. It is useful for female visitors to carry a headscarf. It is stated that a small fee is charged for descending to the prayer room and restrooms on the lower floor; you can inquire about the current fee on-site. Removing shoes at the entrance, as in all mosques, also applies here.

Since the mosque is right in the heart of Trabzon Square, it is quite close to other stops in the city center. The municipal parking lot is adjacent, and the region's well-known baklava bakeries are also within short walking distance. Around the Square, there are cafes, artisan shops, and a vibrancy where you can observe the daily life of the city. It can be easily included in your itinerary when visiting other historical structures in central Trabzon (Ortahisar region, bazaar).