The New Friday Mosque in Trabzon is a Byzantine-era church converted into a mosque where Fatih Sultan Mehmet performed his first Friday prayer after the conquest; it stands out with its three-nave structure, pen-work decorations, and 1291 inscription.
The New Friday Mosque was originally a church dedicated to Saint Eugenios, considered the patron saint of Trabzon. The exact date of the first construction is unknown; researchers speak of a basilica-plan structure. An inscription dated 1291 indicates that its current form dates back at least to that period. After the conquest of Trabzon, a northern entrance and a minaret were added to the church, and a new door was opened from the large apse. A frequently mentioned fact by visitors is that Fatih Sultan Mehmet performed his first Friday prayer here after conquering the city. The mosque's name also comes from this.
The structure has three naves and three apses; the narthex section has disappeared over time. Eagle and dove reliefs are carved on the exterior of the central apse, and the walls are adorned with cross motifs and floral decorations from the outside. Inside, there is a baroque-style stone mihrab, a simple wooden minbar, and striking wooden details in the women's section (mahfil). The pen-work decorations are the most striking feature of the mosque. Many visitors comment on the preservation of this craftsmanship, but some also complain about a lack of maintenance.
It stands on a quiet street in Yenicuma Neighborhood, close to the city center. Its Google rating is 4.8, and comments emphasize that its historical texture should be seen by everyone. Since it is actively used as a mosque, it is generally possible to enter outside of prayer times. However, confirm visiting hours in advance.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Trabzon historical places, Sumela Monastery.
Guide's Note
Church or mosque: the history of the structure
The origin of the structure dates back to a church dedicated to Saint Eugenios, considered the patron saint of Trabzon. The exact date of the first construction is not fully known; researchers speak of a basilica-plan beginning. The inscription dated 1291 found in the structure is the most concrete evidence indicating its existence by that date. After the conquest of Trabzon, a northern entrance section and a minaret were added, converting it into a mosque, and an additional entrance was opened from the large apse.
When to visit
The mosque is actively open for worship. Choosing hours outside of prayer times allows for a more comfortable visit. In the afternoon, you can observe the pen-work decorations inside more calmly and easily photograph the exterior facade.
How to get there
The mosque is located in Yenicuma Neighborhood, Ortahisar district of Trabzon. Bus lines 114, 115, 117, 120, 121, 125 pass by stops close to here from the city center. The nearest stop is Hacı Kasım Mosque-1, a 5-minute walk away. For those who want to walk from the city center, the distance is not considered long.
How much time to allocate
The structure is not large-scale. 20-30 minutes is sufficient to examine the exterior facade and look at the mihrab, minbar, and pen-work decorations inside. It can be included in a half-day walking route along with other historical mosques and museums in Trabzon city center.
Where to look for photos
The eagle and dove reliefs on the outer surface of the central apse are among the most unique details of the structure. The carved cross motifs and floral decorations on the walls are also clearly visible from the exterior. Inside, the wooden craftsmanship in the mahfil and the pen-work ceiling decorations are interesting for indoor shots.
Things to consider when visiting
As it is an active place of worship, choose simple and respectful attire when entering the mosque. Some visitors note that the building has not been maintained for a long time. Therefore, it would be beneficial to check if there are any restoration works before going.
What's around
Yenicuma Neighborhood is a quiet area that bears the traces of Trabzon's historical texture. Other Ottoman-era structures such as Fatih Mosque (Cami-i Atik) and Gülbahar Hatun Mosque can also be visited in the vicinity. It makes sense to include it in a one-day itinerary.
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