Diyarbakır Ulu Camii

Diyarbakır Ulu Camii is one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia and the largest among the historic mosques in the city. Although its exact construction date is unknown, it was established after the Islamic conquest of the city in 639 CE during the reign of Caliph Umar, when the largest church of the settlement, the Mar Toma Church, was converted into a mosque. In the Islamic world, it is regarded as the fifth Harem-i Şerif (Holy Sanctuary), following Kaaba, Mescid-i Nebevi, Al-Aqsa Mosque and Damascus Umayyad Mosque. Architecturally, this building, interpreted as a reflection of Damascus Umayyad Mosque in Anatolia, has served as a center of worship throughout history and constitutes the largest complex of structures in Diyarbakır.

Diyarbakır Ulu Camii (Diyarbakır Governorship)

All states that ruled Diyarbakır have contributed to the Ulu Camii. Inscriptions and royal decrees from the Great Seljuk ruler Melikşah, Anatolian Seljuk ruler Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev, Akkoyunlu ruler Long, and many Ottoman sultans, as well as from the İnaloğulları, Nisanoğulları and Artuqids, are found in various parts of the mosque. The mosque underwent major restoration in 1091 under the orders of Melikşah, and acquired its present form through successive additions and repairs in different periods. The facades of the mosque feature architectural decorations, reliefs and inscriptions from various eras, harmoniously integrated into place.

Reliefs on the courtyard facade (Türkiye Culture Portal-Iskan Altın)

Architectural Features

The Diyarbakır Ulu Camii, with a cruciform plan, presents the appearance of a külliye with a large central courtyard. To the south lies the Hanefi section, to the north the Şafii section and the Mesudiye Medresesi, to the west the Zinciriye Medresesi, and to the east the arcaded sections. Access to the mosque is provided through three separate entrances; the eastern entrance (crown) door is notable for its symmetrical relief figures depicting lions in combat. The interior features a plan with numerous columns, and the ceiling and surfaces of the central area are adorned with pen decorations characteristic of the Ottoman period.

Central ceiling decorated in Ottoman-style kalem işleri (Türkiye Culture Portal-Haluk Yurtörten)

Sections of the Mosque

• Eastern Maksure: According to its inscription, it was built in 1163–1164 by İnaloğlu Mahmut and his vizier Nisanoğlu Ali. The upper floor was added during the Ottoman period to serve as a library; both levels feature column capitals decorated with embroidery in a Corinth pattern.
• Western Maksure: Built by İnaloğlu Ebu Mansur, the lower floor was completed in 1117 and the upper floor in 1124. A portion was restored during the reign of Akkoyunlu ruler Uzun Hasan.
• Sundial: The sundial located in the courtyard, constructed by Al-Jazari, has a history of over 900 years. Time is indicated by the shadow cast by a metal piece placed on a circular marble slab as the sun moves. In the 1920s, it was relocated to its current position and surrounded by a metal structure for protection.
• Şadırvan: The octagonal şadırvan, constructed in 1849, rests on marble-carved columns and is covered by a pointed dome.
• Hanefi Section: One of the oldest spaces in the külliye, this section has a three-aisle plan parallel to the mihrab. The central area is covered by an internal dome and an external broken roof, with dense kalem işleri adding movement to the interior space.
• Şafii Section: Built in the 12th century by the İnaloğulları, it was restored during the Suleiman the Magnificent period by Atak Beyi Emir Ahmet Zırki.
• Mesudiye Medresesi: A two-story structure built of cut stone, oriented east-west, with a nearly square courtyard at its center. Today it serves as the Manuscripts Library.
• Zinciriye Medresesi: Also known as Sincariye Medresesi, this building is single-story and two-aisled. It was used as the Diyarbakır Archaeology Museum in 1934 and is located beside the mosque.

The Diyarbakır Ulu Camii attracts the attention of both local and foreign tourists through its architectural features and historical significance. With its Al-Jazari clock, sun hours, like original elements, and inscriptions bearing traces of diverse civilizations, it continues to stand as a symbol of Anatolia’s rich cultural heritage.

Interior of Diyarbakır Ulu Camii (Diyarbakır Governorship)