Great Mosque Ulu Cami
A 12th-century architectural marvel, the Great Mosque Ulu Cami in Erzurum offers a serene experience with its unique wooden dome and historical depth.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Great Mosque Ulu Cami
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century architectural marvel, the Great Mosque Ulu Cami in Erzurum offers a serene experience with its unique wooden dome and historical depth.
"There is something about this mosque that I was so overwhelmed with emotion about the history that must be hidden within the bare walls."
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover head, arms, and legs. Essential for active worship sites.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking inside this large mosque.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wooden Dome
Prayer Hall
A unique architectural feature, this expansive wooden dome offers a special and serene atmosphere.
3D Mosque Models
Inside the Mosque
Discover detailed 3D models of the three holiest mosques in Islam, offering a unique educational perspective.
Historical Significance
Throughout the Mosque
Feel the weight of history in this 12th-century Saltukid-era mosque, a vital part of Erzurum's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Attire
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover head, arms, and legs. Essential for active worship sites.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking inside this large mosque.
🕰️ Check Prayer Times
Avoid visiting during active prayer times for a more peaceful experience.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be respectful when taking photos, especially during prayer times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover head, arms, and legs. Essential for active worship sites.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking inside this large mosque.
🕰️ Check Prayer Times
Avoid visiting during active prayer times for a more peaceful experience.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be respectful when taking photos, especially during prayer times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Great Mosque Ulu Cami to be a place of profound historical significance and serene beauty, particularly appreciating its unique wooden dome and the educational 3D mosque models. While some note its architectural austerity compared to other mosques, many are moved by the overwhelming sense of history and the peaceful atmosphere.
"This is the main and biggest mosque in Erzurum. It’s a really beautiful place with a wooden dome which is something special. There are also 3D models of the 3 main mosques of Islam inside the building which are definitely worth looking at."
S AS
"Erzurum Ulu Mosque; It was built by Saltuklu Emir Nasreddin Aslan Mehmet in 1179. It is also called "Atabey Mosque" due to the Saltuklu name "Atabey". The upper cover of the structure was built vertically to the mihrab wall. It consists of a wide central nave and three naves on each side, totaling seven naves. The mosque, which is built on twenty-eight free "L", "T" and rectangular shaped piers, measures 51 x 54 meters. The upper cover in the prayer hall is carried by forty piers, sixteen of which are adjacent to the walls.
The mosque, which was used as a food warehouse during the reign of Sultan Murat IV, was repaired five times at different dates. Erzurum Governor Hüseyin Pasha repaired the mosque in 1639, Ali Efendi in 1826, and these were followed by repairs in 1858 and 1860. The mosque was last repaired by the General Directorate of Foundations between 1957 and 1964."
Asilbek MAKHABBAT
"What an amazing experience.
There is something about this mosque that I was so overwhelmed with emotion about the history that must be hidden within the bare walls.
Even though there is no Islamic decorations on the ceilings etc. Feels incredibly serene."
jacko 0
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Mosque Ulu Cami is centrally located in Erzurum, making it accessible by local taxis or public buses. Many visitors find it convenient to walk if staying nearby.
Limited street parking may be available in the vicinity, but it's often easier to use public transport or taxis due to its central location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Great Mosque Ulu Cami is generally free, as it is an active place of worship. Donations are always appreciated.
The mosque is typically open daily, but it's advisable to check specific prayer times to ensure you visit during non-worship hours for a more relaxed experience.
No, there is no entrance fee. It's a functioning mosque, and visitors are welcome to enter respectfully.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The mosque is renowned for its unique wooden dome and its historical significance as a 12th-century Saltukid structure. It features a central nave with side naves, supported by numerous piers.
Photography is usually permitted, but always be mindful and respectful, especially during prayer times. Avoid flash photography.
Yes, visitors must dress modestly, remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall, and maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
Inside, you'll find detailed 3D models of the three holiest mosques in Islam, offering a unique educational display.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the mosque is located in a central area of Erzurum with many local restaurants and cafes nearby offering traditional Turkish cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique wooden dome interior and the mosque's historical facade offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the scale of the prayer hall and any intricate details.
It is highly discouraged to photograph individuals who are praying. Always seek permission if you wish to photograph people.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to observe the impressive wooden dome and discuss the mosque's long history. Remember to dress modestly and ensure children are also dressed appropriately. The spacious prayer hall allows for some movement, but maintaining a quiet atmosphere is key. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, as you'll be walking quite a bit inside.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay close attention to the architectural details, the historical repairs, and the mosque's unique construction. The palpable sense of history within its walls is often described as overwhelming and deeply moving.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels
Historically, the mosque has undergone several repairs and restorations over the centuries, reflecting its enduring importance. It was even used as a food warehouse during the reign of Sultan Murat IV. This layered history adds to the palpable sense of the past that visitors often describe feeling within its walls.
While some may find the lack of elaborate decoration less visually striking compared to other mosques, many visitors find this simplicity contributes to an incredibly serene and overwhelming emotional experience, connecting them deeply with the history embedded in its bare walls.
Historical Context and Significance
The mosque's design is believed to have been influenced by the Great Mosque of Damascus, a testament to the architectural exchanges within the Islamic world. Its capacity to host up to 5,000 worshippers underscores its importance as a major religious site.
Over the centuries, the mosque has been a silent witness to history, undergoing numerous repairs and adaptations. Its resilience and continued use highlight its deep cultural and religious significance to the region and its people.
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