Yeni Cuma Mosque, Former Byzantine church turned mosque in Trabzon Province, Turkey
Yeni Cuma Mosque is a former Byzantine church in Trabzon Province with three naves and a central apse that is rounded inside and pentagonal outside. This layout combines traditional Christian spatial elements with later-added Islamic features.
After Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror took Trabzon in 1461, this Byzantine church was converted into a mosque. The transformation marked a turning point in the region's religious and cultural history.
The building displays a blend of Christian and Islamic architectural expressions rooted in its original church form and later additions such as the stone mihrab. Visitors can observe this layering of different faiths directly in the architectural details.
The building is located in the Yenicuma neighborhood and maintains regular prayer schedules that can be confirmed in advance. Those wishing to explore the architectural features should inquire about access beforehand.
Early 19th century records documented paintings of Trebizond Emperors within the building's walls. These murals illustrated the imperial history of the dynasty from Alexios I to Alexios III.
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