Çelebi Ağa Camii

Çelebi Ağa Camii is located in the Pertek district of Tunceli. This mosque is a very old Ottoman structure, built in the 16th century—approximately 450 years ago. It served as an important place for both worship and community gatherings.

This beautiful mosque was commissioned by Çelebi Ali Bey, the Sanjakbey of Pertek. During his time, he not only held administrative authority but also contributed valuable structures to the region. Above the mosque’s entrance, there is an inscription written in Arabic script. This inscription reveals that the mosque was constructed in 1569 (Hijri 976).

Culture Portal^{Generated from the photograph using artificial intelligence.}

Çelebi Ağa Camii is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture.

The mosque’s plan is highly orderly:

• Main prayer hall (harim): Covered by a single large dome.
• Final congregation area: Covered by three smaller domes. This section served as a space where people waited before prayer.
• Windows: Pointed arch windows illuminate the interior and lend the mosque an elegant appearance.
• Crowning portal: The entrance is distinguished by ornate stone craftsmanship.

The building’s stones are made of both cut and rubble stone, a method commonly preferred during that period for its durability and aesthetic appeal.

In the 1970s, during the construction of the Keban Dam, parts of Pertek were threatened with submersion. To prevent Çelebi Ağa Camii from being flooded, specialists from the Middle East Technical University (METU) carried out a special preservation project.

Each stone of the mosque was individually numbered, carefully dismantled, and transported to a new location above the dam reservoir. It was then reconstructed exactly as before.

As a result, Çelebi Ağa Camii is one of the rare historic mosques in Türkiye that was preserved through relocation.

Culture Portal_{Generated from the photograph using artificial intelligence.}

The mosque’s minaret, fountain, and dome are adorned with exquisite stone carvings. The use of two-colored stones adds both elegance and vibrancy to the structure.

Additionally, the fountain and the iwan-style niches create not only a space for worship but also a public gathering area for the community.

Today, the mosque is located in the center of Pertek district and continues to be used for worship.

It also attracts interest from both local and international visitors as a historic monument. Çelebi Ağa Camii is preserved as a living cultural heritage that connects the past with the present.