An Architectural Masterpiece: The Divrigi Mosque

The Divriği Great Mosque, around 170 kilometers from Sivas, is a unique masterpiece with elaborate ornamentation and etched stonework. This mosque is one of Turkey's most remarkable attractions, as it is the only Turkish artwork featured in UNESCO's 500 Masterpieces of the World list.

Historical Background

The Divriği Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) is a marvel of Islamic and Anatolian art, hidden among the Anatolian countryside's high mountains and deep valleys. The structure, consisting of a mosque and a hospital, was built between 1228 and 1229 by the Mengujekids, a local dynasty. The impressive architectural work begins with the main entrance, composed of a tall portal covered with incredibly gorgeous and detailed stone carvings and leads to the mosque's interior. The Ulu Cami was included in the world's greatest masterpieces because of the beauty and concentration of the carvings.

Structure of the Mosque

The western side of the structure has an entrance, which is thought to have been built later since this portion collapsed and was restored. The royals are supposed to have utilized the third entry on the eastern facade because it connects to the raised wooden platform within the mosque that was reserved for the king. The shadow cast by the three-dimensional stone ornaments from two of the mosque's entrances, notably a giant shadow of a praying man, is one of the mosque's most intriguing elements. The shadow changes position as the light moves throughout the day, constantly reminding passersby of the structure's purpose.