Unique Architecture of Ulu Mosque in Konya

Basköy Ulu Mosque is located in the Basköy neighborhood of Doganhisar, a district in Konya, on Kabristan Street. The mosque does not have any inscriptions indicating the builder, date of construction, or other relevant details. However, based on its architectural features, experts date the mosque to the early 20th century. 

Built with rubble stone and wooden lintels, the mosque's walls feature occasional decorative and ornamental repurposed stones. Among these, a notable inscription with a long Greek text catches the eye.

The mosque has a slight curve on its eastern facade, and its single minaret with a balcony is located in the northwest. This minaret was built later using stone materials. Architecturally, the mosque is a large rectangular building with a traditional wooden post structure and a sloping roof covered with earth. A simple glass-walled section added later houses a double-winged wooden door, leading into the prayer hall. Upon entering, the women's section can be found on the northern side. 

The prayer hall is divided into five sections with four rows of wooden columns, and its ceiling is supported by wooden beams. The entire interior of the prayer hall is adorned with colorful, intricate floral and geometric frescoes. The mosque's decorations, including the inscription from Surah Al-Hashr on the walls, were done in 1957 by the Gaziantep craftsman Nakkaş Müslim Gökçek.

As soon as you enter, the mosque’s wooden mihrab attracts attention with its borders, which feature ajour technique. The beautiful grape clusters intertwined with curled leafy vines on a blue, red, and purple background are exceptionally stunning. Similarly, the magnificent wooden pulpit is richly decorated, with exquisite plant motifs appearing on the mirror sections. Between the grand wooden columns of the prayer hall, no matter where you look, you'll encounter mesmerizing decorative details. From the outside, Ulu Mosque appears quite modest, but inside, it offers a vibrant and ornate atmosphere that contrasts with its humble exterior.