Çelebi Sultan Mehmed Mosque

Çelebi Sultan Mehmed Mosque is a limestone structure with a wooden pyramidal roof located in central Didymoteicho. The walls exceed 2 meters in thickness and each side measures roughly 30 meters, decorated with inscriptions throughout the building.

Construction began under Sultan Bayezid I in 1389, paused after his death, then resumed under Sultan Mehmed I until completion in March 1420. This multi-decade timeline reflects the building's importance to Ottoman expansion into the European peninsula.

The interior space served as a gathering place for the local community across different faith backgrounds, reflecting its role as a shared civic landmark. The surviving frescoes show a blend of Ottoman and European artistic traditions visible in the decorative details.

The building stands in central Didymoteicho within walking distance of the town center and is undergoing restoration work following a 2017 fire. Access conditions may change depending on the pace of repairs, so it is worth checking locally before visiting.

The building holds the distinction of being the oldest Islamic structure built on European soil and features an innovative wooden roof system that was technically groundbreaking at the time. This architectural solution allowed for a large unobstructed interior prayer space.

Location: Didymoteicho Municipal Unit

GPS coordinates: 41.34913,26.49363

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:09