Beyşehir Eşrefoğlu Camii 🕌

Have you ever imagined walking through a forest made entirely of wood? The Eşrefoğlu Camii in the Beyşehir district of Konya is exactly such a place. This structure is a unique mosque built nearly 700 years ago using almost entirely wooden pillars. It is not only a place of worship but also one of the finest examples of wooden craftsmanship in the world.

Where Is It and When Was It Built?🗺️

The Eşrefoğlu Camii is located right next to Beyşehir Lake in the Beyşehir district of Konya Province in Türkiye. This mosque was constructed a very long time ago, dating back to more than 700 years. At that time, there was a regional principality in Anatolia known as the Eşrefoğulları Beylik.

A Journey Through Time⏳

The person who commissioned the construction of this mosque was Eşrefoğlu Süleyman Bey, the ruler of the Eşrefoğulları Beylik. Süleyman Bey began construction of this grand structure in 1296 and it was completed in 1299. This was a significant period in Anatolia when Turkish beyliks began building their own distinctive architectural works.

What Makes This Mosque Special?✨

The most distinctive feature that sets the Eşrefoğlu Camii apart from other mosques is that its roof is supported entirely by wooden pillars. Upon entering, you will see 48 thick wooden pillars standing tall like trees reaching toward the sky. These pillars are made from cedar, a durable and fragrant wood.

This structure is the largest and best-preserved wooden-pillared mosque in Anatolia. The wooden, stone, and ceramic decorations are so masterfully executed that it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This list aims to protect the world’s most important cultural and natural sites.

What Is Inside?🔍

The ceiling of the mosque is also entirely wooden and adorned with painted patterns known as “kalem işi.” These designs consist of colorful flowers and geometric shapes.

The mihrab, the niche indicating the direction of prayer where the imam stands, is covered in vibrant ceramic tiles. Ceramics is a craft made by firing and decorating a special type of clay. The tiled mihrab of this mosque is among the largest and most impressive of its time.

Beyşehir Eşrefoğlu Camii (Culture Portal)