Aziziye Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Karatay, Turkey
Aziziye Mosque is a place of worship with two minarets featuring columned balconies and a square prayer hall topped by a large central dome with three smaller domes above the entrance area. The structure combines traditional elements with decorative details from different building styles.
A fire destroyed the original structure from 1671, after which Pertevniyal, mother of Sultan Abdülaziz, commissioned its reconstruction in 1874. This rebuilding marked a turning point in how the place was used and valued in the city.
The interior shows a blend of Ottoman and Baroque elements, especially visible in the marble columns and blue marble prayer niche. Large windows are a striking feature of the prayer hall, shaping how light enters the space.
Visitors must remove shoes, cover their heads, and wear long sleeves before entering. Photography is not permitted without permission, and it is important to follow rules for respectful behavior during prayer times.
The building sits elevated from ground level, and visitors must climb stairs to reach the prayer hall. This layout differs noticeably from the typical arrangement of other mosques in the region.
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