Ulu Camii, Historical mosque in Şanlıurfa, Turkey
Ulu Camii is a mosque in Şanlıurfa featuring twenty domes arranged in four rows, supported by sturdy columns that rise throughout the interior. Natural light floods through openings in the domes, creating a bright and open prayer space.
It was built between 1170 and 1175 during the Zengid period, constructed upon the foundations of an earlier church. The structure later underwent several restorations across different centuries, reflecting changes made over time.
The prayer hall displays traditional Islamic design with a carefully positioned mihrab that guides worshippers toward Mecca. The crafted wooden screens and decorative details throughout the space create an environment meant for devoted reflection.
Located in the Eyyübiye district, the mosque is open for daily prayers and welcomes visitors during non-prayer hours. Visitors should be mindful of prayer times and dress respectfully when entering the space.
The dome structure underwent multiple renovations over several centuries, with work recorded in different periods spanning from the 1600s onward. These layers of restoration reveal how the building adapted to serve changing community needs.
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