Adana Ulu Camii

Ulu Camii is considered among Adana's important works in terms of its size and history. From the three separate inscriptions of this work, which brings together architectural characteristics belonging to the Seljuk, Mamluk and Ottoman Periods, it is understood that its construction was first started in 1513 by Ramazan oğlu Halil Bey, and that it was completed and opened for worship in 1541 by Halil Bey's son Piri Mehmet Paşa.

It is known that the entrance section on the west side of the main building was commissioned by Ramazan oğlu Halil Bey.

The stalactite conical roof above the entrance gate, tapering upward in a stepped system, bears the characteristics of Seljuk period architecture. This suggests that the Ramazanoğulları, a small principality in the XVI. century, first had a small masjid built here; however, with the growth of the principality and the insufficiency of the masjid, the present building was constructed.

With overall dimensions of 34,50 x 32,50 metres, Ulu Camii has a nearly square rectangular plan, and the courtyard is entered through two large gates on the west and east sides. In addition to the mosque's main prayer space, considering the hot climate of the region and the need for more worshippers to pray, part of the courtyard was covered with a wooden roofing system and turned into a large last congregation area. On the courtyard gate on the east façade and on the façade of the mosque's main space, black and white marble slabs were used to add colour to the appearance of the façade. The contours of the semi-pointed arches are decorated with stalactite and plant motifs. The main prayer space, in a rectangular plan extending transversely, forms two naves (şahın) with four columns placed parallel to the Qibla wall, and the columns are connected to each other by slightly pointed arches.

On the Qibla wall, the mihrab surrounded by a border made of black marble, and especially the XVI. and XVII. century tiles covering the mosque's Qibla wall, attract attention at first glance.

Adana Ulu Camii influenced some local works such as Adana Hasan Ağa Camisi, Adana Kemeraltı Camisi and Ceyhan Kurtkulağı Köyü Camisi with its vertical space to the west of the harim in the form of a last congregation area.

Places to Visit in Adana

Source: Adana Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism

Photographs: Atatürk Kültür Merkezi Başkanlığı, Türkiye Ulu Camileri 2016, Mustafa Cambaz Address: Seyhan, 25007. Sk, No:1 01020 Ulucami Külliyesi, Adana