Cami Kebir (Kayseri Ulu Cami)

Cami Kebir is a historical mosque located in the center of Kayseri city, adjacent to the Kapalıçarşı place. People It is also known as Ulu Cami in various sources, and occasionally referred to as Cami-i Kebir or Sultan Cami. Built in 530 AH / 1135 CE by Danişmendlid ruler Melik Mehmet Gazi, this mosque is one of the simplest yet elegant examples of Seljuk architecture.

Cami Kebir(Culture Portal)

History and Restorations

The mosque was originally constructed by Melik Mehmet Gazi. The inscription beside its northern entrance has survived as a record of a later restoration. This inscription indicates that the restoration was carried out in 602 AH / 1206 CE by Yağıbasanoğlu Muzaffereddin Mahmud, a nephew of Melik Mehmet Gazi. The inscription reads: "This mosque was restored in 602 AH / 1206 CE by Yağıbasanoğlu Muzaffereddin Mahmud during the reign of Kılıçaslan’s son, the great Sultan Kaykhusraw—may God exalt his aid." During the same period, Muzaffereddin Mahmud’s daughter, Atsuz Elti Hatun, restored the Gülük Camii.

The mosque suffered severe damage during the major earthquake that struck Kayseri in 1716 harm and remained unused for five to six years ruined. In 1723, it was restored by Matbah-ı Amire Emini Kayserili Hacı Halil Efendi. During this restoration, the collapsed dome of the minaret was rebuilt, and the sunken sections of the mosque and minaret were repaired.

Cami Kebir(Culture Portal)

Architectural Features

Ulu Cami rests on a rectangular base measuring approximately 30 m x 50 m and has a simple exterior design. However, the use of columns of Roman and Byzantine origin within the interior has led some scholars to suggest that the mosque was converted from an earlier structure such as a church or palace. Nevertheless, its pointed arches and architectural layout are recognized as characteristic of Islamic architecture. The internal dimensions of the mosque are 47.5 meters in length and 27 meters in width.

The structure features two domes: one above the mihrab and another in the central section. The dome above the mihrab is believed to have been part of the original construction, while the central dome is thought to have been added later. The architectural plan, typical of Seljuk mosques, originally left the central area open and well-lit; however, this open space was later covered by a dome.

Inside the mosque, piers and columns are connected by arches. Arches running parallel to the main axis divide the prayer space, while arches connecting the southern retaining points run parallel to the transverse axis. The ceiling is supported by pine beams with diameters of 30–50 cm, covered originally with reed mats and now with a concrete layer. The slope of the ceiling, achieved through varying thickness of the covering, facilitates drainage of rainwater. Gutters placed along the outer walls aid in the efficient removal of water.

Minaret

The mosque’s minaret is considered a later addition due to its architectural differences. Although there is no definitive record of when it was built, it is regarded as the oldest minaret in Kayseri. Standing 47 meters high, the minaret is constructed of brick on a stone base. Beneath the balcony, a verse written in Kufic script on ceramic tiles remains undeciphered yet. Access to the balcony is via a straight internal staircase, and from there to the balcony itself via a spiral staircase.

The Story of the Seven Bricks

A popular legend common associated with the construction of Ulu Cami tells that Melik Mehmet Gazi ordered the builders not to accept help from anyone. However, an elderly widow requested that the seven bricks she had brought for charity be incorporated into the mosque’s walls. The master builder refused her request. Subsequently, Melik Mehmet Gazi received a divine warning in a dream and ordered that the woman’s bricks be added. The woman was found and brought before him, and her seven bricks were placed near the upper part of the wall. Today, these seven bricks are still visible on the wall, serving as a tangible trace of the legend.

Kayseri Ulu Cami is a representative work reflecting the simplicity and functionality of Seljuk architecture. Its challenging history through earthquakes and its preserved structure and minaret through successive restorations make it one of the most prominent historical monuments in the city. Additionally, the addition of a madrasa and the tomb of Melik Mehmet Gazi enhance the cultural significance of the complex. Today The mosque still stands today as a monument testifying to Kayseri’s rich history.