Background Image
Table of Contents Table of Contents
Previous Page  188 / 268 Next Page
Basic version Information
Show Menu
Previous Page 188 / 268 Next Page
Page Background

Dr. Semavi Eyice, based on these inscriptions Sultan Mesut I started

a construction of a mosque at the same place and Sultan İzzeddin

Keykavus I (1210-1219) destroyed the mosque completely regar-

ding in the small size and as beginning rebuild he had died and the

mosque was completed in time of his brother Alaeddin Keykubat

(1219-1236). The architect Mehmet bin Havlan built especially north

façade. The building trustee of the construction was Atabeg Ayaz.

Alaaddin Mosque was repaired by Sultan Abdülhamid II, some

changes were made, in the years of 1914-1918,1920-1923 and

1940-1945 were allocated to soldiers regarding war and closed to

worship. When cranked were seen on the walls the mosque was

repaired in 1958.

Alaeddin Mosque is not a mosque which was built completely in

a single period. For this reason, various materials were used. In its

construction various architectural materials which belonged to

previous periods were used. Primarily, they are old-age instructions,

Greek writings, church architectural materials. On the façade of

the mosque, the piers which separate arch gaps on the walls from

each other were used on the west walls brought from Byzantium

constructions. The columns which support the arches that carry

upper coat inside of mosque, the columns’ heads are also collec-

ted materials.

Alaaddin Mosque has evolved a few construction evolutions.

The multi-column place parallels to Mihrab wall at eastern side of

mosque is the first made section. This section was divided into 7

sahna with vertical columns to mihrab wall. Masonry arches which

connect columns to each other were made by bricks.

Alaeddin Mosque is in irregular shape as plan. There is a glorious

entrance door at the north wall. Two tombs were built at the yard in

the back of entrance; one of these tombs left half without comp-

leted. At the outer façade of north wall of the mosque’s portal

there are buttresses in the protrude shape as in castles and inns.

Worshiping place is divided into sahın paralleling to mihrab wall.

Upper side was covered with smooth ceiling. A masonry dome was

installed at the end of wide sahın at the side of mihrap. The eastern

wing near the central domed place is wider and deeper.

Ornamentation of Alaaddin Mosque, masonry craftsmanship attra-

cts attention. The door which thought to provide passage from the

mosque to palace was embellished with plain and elegant motives

of the Seljuk art. Under the big spiked arch there are threaded

columns. There are half rounds one after the other united inside of

a circle at the center. The doorpost was embellished as embossed

shape without leaving any empty place. Over the entrance there

are four armed stars and Seal of Süleyman and an inscription.

It is understood that traces remain on dome and mihrab in the

worshiping place of the mosque would have been covered by tiles.

Badges and kitted motives on these tiles in mosaic inlaid technique

attract attention. The tiles parts were found during the restoration

works that was made by General Directorate of Vakıflar (Foundati-

ons) in 1968.

The pulpit of the mosque made of walnut tree, in the Cufic inscrip-

tion the name of Sultan Mesut I, the son of Kılıçarslan was written.