Ulu Cami Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa's Ulu Cami: a 12th-century mosque with a layered history, featuring a unique octagonal minaret and ancient legends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Ulu Cami Şanlıurfa
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Şanlıurfa's Ulu Cami: a 12th-century mosque with a layered history, featuring a unique octagonal minaret and ancient legends.
"A decent mosque with a unique octagonal minaret, worth a visit for its historical layers and legends."
Respect Prayer Times
Check local prayer times before visiting to ensure a peaceful experience.
Explore Nearby Sites
Combine your visit with Balıklıgöl and Urfa Castle for a full day of exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Octagonal Minaret
Western Side
An unusual octagonal minaret, possibly a remnant from its past as a church, stands as a unique architectural feature.
Ancient Well Legend
Inside the Mosque
Discover a well within the mosque, rumored in local lore to have hidden the Mandylion, an icon of Jesus.
Cross Vault Prayer Hall
Prayer Rooms
Experience the interior's prayer rooms, featuring a cross vault design topped with a simple dome.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Ulu Cami
Understanding Ulu Cami's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect Prayer Times
Check local prayer times before visiting to ensure a peaceful experience.
Explore Nearby Sites
Combine your visit with Balıklıgöl and Urfa Castle for a full day of exploration.
Appreciate the Architecture
Notice the blend of historical elements, including the octagonal minaret.
Consider Drone Views
See the mosque from above for a unique perspective of its setting.
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect Prayer Times
Check local prayer times before visiting to ensure a peaceful experience.
Explore Nearby Sites
Combine your visit with Balıklıgöl and Urfa Castle for a full day of exploration.
Appreciate the Architecture
Notice the blend of historical elements, including the octagonal minaret.
Consider Drone Views
See the mosque from above for a unique perspective of its setting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ulu Cami is appreciated for its historical significance and unique architectural elements like the octagonal minaret. While some find it less impressive than other sites in Urfa, its layered past and the legends associated with it make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in history and culture. Some visitors note it can be closed during prayer times.
"The Grand Mosque of Urfa.
It is a decent mosque, but has clearly been reconstructed over the years. The mosques by the Cave of Abraham are rather more impressive, but this is worth a visit. Inside is a well that predates the mosque and is said in local legend to be the hiding place of the Mandylion, an icon of Jesus that some connect with the shroud of Turin, but these legends are not clear at all. It is worth seeing, but there are other sites in Urfa that are better, if time is of the essence."
David Dancey
"Very nice mosque from 12th century, we went here to pray Dhuha, but it was closed, unfortunately"
Felix Siauw
"The 12th-century Ulu Camii was erected on the site of the former 6th-century Church of St. Stephen (which in turn is believed to have been built on top of a synagogue). The western side of the building boasts an unusual octagonal minaret, probably retained from the church. Inside, the prayer rooms are laid out as a cross vault with a simple dome above the prayer niche. The mosque was commissioned by Nureddin, son and successor to the Seljuk governor of Mosul, Imadeddin Zengi, who founded the Zengid dynasty.
8. Harran"
Joao Carlos Vergueiro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ulu Cami is centrally located in Şanlıurfa, easily accessible by local taxis or public transport. Many visitors find it convenient to walk to the mosque from nearby attractions like Balıklıgöl and Urfa Castle.
Yes, Ulu Cami is situated near popular sites such as Balıklıgöl and Urfa Castle, making it easy to combine visits.
Walking is highly recommended to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. Consider a guided tour for deeper historical insights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ulu Cami is a functioning mosque, and entry is generally free. However, donations are appreciated to help with its upkeep.
As a place of worship, Ulu Cami's hours are primarily dictated by prayer times. It's best to visit outside of these times for a more relaxed experience.
Yes, modest dress is required. Women should cover their heads, arms, and legs, and men should wear long trousers.
Photography is usually permitted, but always be respectful of worshippers and avoid taking photos during prayer times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ulu Cami was built on the site of a former church, which itself is believed to have been built over a synagogue. It dates back to the 12th century and showcases a blend of architectural influences.
Don't miss the unique octagonal minaret, the ancient well with its local legends, and the cross-vaulted prayer hall.
Local legends suggest that an ancient well inside the mosque may have been used to hide the Mandylion, an icon of Jesus.
Yes, Ulu Cami is an active mosque, and visitors are welcome to observe or participate in prayers respectfully.
The mosque exhibits a blend of Seljuk and earlier architectural styles, with notable features like its octagonal minaret and cross-vaulted interior.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Ulu Cami is bustling with local eateries and restaurants offering traditional Şanlıurfa cuisine. +1
Be sure to sample Urfa kebab, çiğ köfte, and local pastries. The area is known for its delicious regional specialties.
📸 📸 Photography
The octagonal minaret, the courtyard, and the exterior architecture offer great photo opportunities. Sunset views from nearby vantage points are also stunning.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially around historical and religious sites. Always check local regulations before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby attractions like Balıklıgöl, with its sacred fish, are often more captivating for younger children. Consider visiting Ulu Cami as part of a broader exploration of Şanlıurfa's historical sites, making it a learning experience about different cultures and faiths.
🕌 Religious Visitors
Be mindful of prayer times and maintain a respectful demeanor. The mosque's historical layers, from its origins as a church and potential synagogue, offer a unique spiritual context for those interested in the intersection of faiths. The legends surrounding the Mandylion add another dimension to its religious significance.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+1For history buffs, the mosque's layered past, from its origins as a church and possible synagogue to its current form, is a rich area of study. Documenting the architectural remnants and understanding their historical context will provide a deeper appreciation of the site. Consider exploring the surrounding historical district for more photographic and historical discoveries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Layered History of Ulu Cami
The current mosque structure dates back to the 12th century, commissioned by Nureddin, son of the Seljuk governor Imadeddin Zengi. It was later restored by Nūr ad-Dīn Zengī, a significant leader in Muslim history. The mosque's unique octagonal minaret is thought to be a remnant from its Christian past, adding a distinctive visual element.
While the mosque has undergone reconstructions over the centuries, its historical significance remains profound. Visitors can appreciate the blend of architectural styles and imagine the centuries of worship that have taken place on this sacred ground. The legends surrounding an ancient well within the mosque, said to have hidden the Mandylion, further add to its mystique.
Architectural Marvels and Legends
Inside, the prayer rooms are laid out with a cross vault design, topped by a simple yet elegant dome over the mihrab. This interior layout reflects Islamic architectural traditions while subtly acknowledging its historical context. The presence of remnants from the older structures, such as column bases and parts of the bell tower, further enriches the visitor's experience.
Beyond its physical structure, Ulu Cami is steeped in local lore. A well within the mosque is famously said to have been a hiding place for the Mandylion, an icon of Jesus. While these legends are not definitively proven, they add a layer of intrigue and spiritual depth to the site, making it a place of both historical and mythical significance.
Ulu Cami and its Connection to Halfeti
Today, only the minaret of the Halfeti Ulu Cami is visible above the water, making it a poignant symbol of the submerged town. This historical structure, though distinct from the Şanlıurfa Ulu Cami, shares the name and represents another facet of the region's rich religious heritage.
Visitors to Şanlıurfa might hear mentions of both. While the Şanlıurfa Ulu Cami offers a glimpse into centuries of continuous worship and architectural evolution, the Halfeti Ulu Cami serves as a somber reminder of how history and nature can reshape landscapes and heritage sites.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit