Hisar Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Kemeraltı district, İzmir, Turkey.
Hisar Mosque is a stone and marble building in the Kemeraltı district with a large central dome supported by eight pillars and three additional domes on each side. The courtyard has seven domes and serves as an open area for prayer and gathering.
Ottoman governor Aydınoğlu Yakup Bey commissioned the building between 1592 and 1598 during a period when the Ottomans were strengthening their rule in İzmir. This era saw the construction of many important religious buildings across the region.
The interior walls display curved plant patterns with leaves and flowers mixed with star designs that cover the surfaces throughout. These decorations follow Islamic artistic traditions and create a calm visual environment for those who visit.
The courtyard has a ritual washing fountain where visitors should prepare before entering, and flower sellers and vendors line the area around it. Plan to navigate narrow streets in the old bazaar area and be aware that the building is in active use during prayer times.
A verse from Surah Ali Imran is carved in gold leaf above the entrance door with the message 'Whoever goes in there will be safe.' This personal blessing is often overlooked by visitors even though it holds deep meaning for the community.
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