Yakup Pasha Çilehane Mosque is a Halveti Dervish Lodge built in 1413 by Yakup Pasha during the reign of Çelebi Sultan Mehmed, located opposite the Royal Rock Tombs in Amasya. The structure, featuring classical Ottoman architecture, is actively used as a mosque today, and admission is free.
Çilehane Mosque takes its name from the small cells within it. Built in 1413 by Yakup Pasha, one of Çelebi Mehmed's commanders, the structure was not originally designed as a mosque: it was built as a Halveti Dervish Lodge. The ascetic cells where dervishes withdrew from the world for a certain period to discipline their souls, a small mosque (mescit), and a tomb come together to form a single-domed structure.
Entering through the large, cut-stone, arch-arched iwan gate on the west, you are greeted by the mescit on the right and the halvet cells accessed through narrow passages, while on the left are the tomb and the dervish lodge section. Most visitors describe this partitioned structure as a form of mescit they have not seen before. Inside is the tomb of Sheikh Abdurrahman, and outside, on the west side, is the tomb of Yakup Pasha. The building, which was severely damaged in the 1939 earthquake, was repaired in 1964 by the General Directorate of Foundations.
The structure is located on the foothills of Harşena Mountain, within a neighborhood of old Amasya houses. It is within walking distance of the city center. The mosque is still actively used, with congregational prayers held. Above it, there is also an area called Pirler Park, which functions as a tea garden and restaurant.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Amasya historical places, Historical Ferhat Water Canal.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Structure
Çilehane Mosque was built in 1413 by Yakup Pasha, one of Çelebi Mehmed's commanders. Although known as a mosque today, it was originally a dervish lodge: it consists of ascetic cells used by dervishes for worship, contemplation, and self-discipline. The body walls are built with rubble stone and brick courses, and the windows have marble frames and brick arches. It was severely damaged in the 1939 earthquake and restored to its current state in 1964 by the General Directorate of Foundations.
What to See Inside
Upon entering from the western gate, there is the mescit on the right, and the halvet rooms accessed through small passages; on the left are the tomb and the dervish lodge section. Sheikh Abdurrahman's tomb is in a separate section inside the mosque, while Yakup Pasha's tomb is outside on the west side. Visitors describe this partitioned structure as a mescit they have not seen before; the small study rooms and seclusion cells are particularly noteworthy.
Best Time to Visit
As it is an active place of worship, hours outside of prayer times are quieter. Fridays can be busy with congregants; some visitors prefer to perform Friday prayers here. For those who want to take photos, daytime hours better showcase the light in the interior.
How to Get There
It is close to Amasya city center, in Mehmet Paşa Neighborhood. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the square. It is located on an elevated point on the eastern side of the city, at the foothills of Harşena Mountain; the road is a bit uphill.
What's Around
Above the mosque is Pirler Park; this area, used as a tea garden and restaurant, is a good stop for the continuation of your trip. The surrounding neighborhood consists of streets that preserve Amasya's old residential fabric; you have the chance to see these historic houses while walking around the mosque.
Things to Note When Visiting
As it is an active place of worship, it is necessary to wear appropriate clothing for modesty and to remove shoes. It is important not to disturb the congregation during prayer times. There are tomb sections inside; it is appropriate to be quiet in these areas.
How Much Time to Allocate
The structure itself is small-scale; 20-30 minutes is enough to explore the interior and the ascetic cells. If you wish to have tea at Pirler Park, you can extend your visit up to an hour.
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