Tavanlı Mosque

According to its inscription, the mosque was built in 1874 by Nemlizade Hacı Ahmed Efendi. It was repaired in 1890-91 by Nemlizade Şükrü Bey. In some records, Ketencizade Mehmet Efendi is also mentioned as its founder; this is because the mosque is registered with the Ketencizade Mehmet Efendi Foundation. Researchers believe that the Ketani Masjid, mentioned in 16th-17th century archive records, stood on the site of the current structure, and Nemlizade Ahmed Efendi built the mosque in its place. Therefore, the mosque is known by the names Tavanlı Mosque, Nemlioğlu Mosque, and Ketani/Ketencizade Masjid.

The mosque was built with a hipped roof and a flat wooden ceiling plan; it takes its name from this feature. The ornate medallion in the center of the ceiling is the first detail that catches the eye upon entering. The walls, built using rubble and cut stone in a masonry style, show simple but meticulous workmanship. Above the flattened arch of the entrance door, there is a relief with rosette motifs and a large inscription written in celi sülüs script. This is the best spot for taking photos from outside. The minaret rises in an unusual position in the northwest corner of the last congregation area. The tree and scrolling branch reliefs emerging from the vase motifs on the stone mihrab borders are also worth a closer look.

The most frequently mentioned section in visitor reviews is the hazire on the south and west sides of the mosque. Ornate Ottoman-era tombstones stand among centuries-old trees; some visitors say they find this section more impressive than the mosque itself. The decorations and inscriptions on the tombstones are a separate subject of study for history enthusiasts. It has a calm, shaded courtyard atmosphere. Visitors to the mosque often spend some time here.

The mosque is primarily kept open during prayer times. Some visitor comments indicate that it is found closed when visited from outside. Therefore, if you plan to go inside, choosing a time close to prayer time is more reliable. Since the hazire can always be seen from outside, the visit is not in vain even if the mosque is closed. Morning hours, when there is plenty of daylight, are more suitable for seeing both the stone craftsmanship and the details on the tombstones.

The mosque is located in Trabzon's Ortahisar district, in Gazipaşa Neighborhood, on Nemlioğlu Konak Street. It is possible to reach it by taking public transportation from Trabzon Center to Ortahisar and then walking. It can be included in a single walking tour along with other stops like Gülbahar Hatun Mosque and Ortahisar Mosque, as part of the historical mosque route around Meydan Park.

The mosque is small and charming in scale. Looking at the wooden ceiling, inscription, and mihrab borders takes about 10 minutes. If you also want to visit the hazire, a total of 20-25 minutes is sufficient. It can be added to a half-day historical structures tour, combined with other historical mosques in Trabzon center, such as Gülbahar Hatun, Ortahisar Mosque, and Hagia Sophia Museum.

Tavanlı Mosque is in the same area as other historical structures in Ortahisar. You can follow the architectural traces of Trabzon's Ottoman and Byzantine periods in one day by adding Gülbahar Hatun Mosque and Ortahisar Mosque to the same route. The nearby Nemlioğlu Mansion is also interesting in terms of its historical texture. The mosque itself is named after the street next to this mansion.