Çoban Mustafa Paşa Külliyesi, Ottoman religious complex in Gebze, Turkey.
The Kulliye is an extensive building complex in Gebze comprising a mosque, madrasah, hospital, library, inn, bathhouse, caravanserai, and tomb spread across a large site. The various structures are connected by pathways and showcase the typical layout of such 16th-century Ottoman complexes.
The complex was built in 1523 by Coban Mustafa Pasha during his time as governor in Egypt. Architectural elements were transported from Cairo and installed by Egyptian craftsmen, reflecting the empire's connections across its territories.
The mosque displays Kufic inscriptions and Turkish tiles on its walls, blending different Islamic artistic traditions in its design. Walking through the space, you notice how these decorative elements reflect the craftsmanship valued in Ottoman times.
The complex is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset with no entrance fee required. Four entrance gates at different locations allow you to enter from various points and explore at your own pace.
The mosque's interior reaches a height of 24 meters (79 feet) and is supported by four columns beneath a central dome. The walls are built with precise patterns of stone and brick that have kept this structure intact for centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
