Kapu Mosque in Konya

Kapu Mosque, one of Konya’s significant Ottoman landmarks, dates back to the 17th century. It stands as the largest Ottoman-era mosque in the city. Located on Sarraflar Street in the central Karatay district, the mosque is under the ownership of the General Directorate of Foundations and remains an active place of worship managed by the Karatay Mufti’s Office.

The mosque derives its name from its position near one of the main gates of the former Konya Castle. It was originally built in 1658 by Hüseyin Çelebi, a prominent leader of the Mevlevi Dervish Lodge. The first major restoration took place in 1811; however, a devastating fire in 1867 destroyed the structure and the surrounding foundation shops. Reconstructed the following year in 1868, the mosque lost much of its original form.

Constructed from finely cut stone, Kapu Mosque exemplifies classical Ottoman architecture. Its interior is covered by eight small domes. The mihrab is crafted from stone, while the pulpit (minbar) is made of intricately carved wood. Above the main entrance, known as the crown door, an inscription marks the 1868 restoration. Additional entrances open to the east and west sides, and a final congregation balcony supported by ten columns welcomes visitors at the mosque’s entrance.