Firdevs Bey Camii

Firdevs Bey Camii (also known as Mimar Sinan Camii) is located in the city center of Isparta, at the Üzüm Pazarı site. It was constructed in 1561 by Firdevs Paşa, the sanjakbey of Isparta during the reign of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman. In the same year, Firdevs Paşa also built a bedesten to cover the mosque’s expenses. Together, these structures form a cohesive külliye complex.

The mosque is generally accepted to have been built during the classical period of Ottoman architecture and designed by Mimar Sinan. Although no construction inscription has been found for the structure, a foundation deed dated 1565 exists. Additionally, the mosque is mentioned in sources on the life and works of Mimar Sinan, including Tezkiretü’l-Bünyan, Tezkiretü’l-Ebniye, and Tuhfetü’l-Mimârin.

Firdevs Bey Camii (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Architectural Features

The mosque has a square plan and is covered by a single dome. A five-arched rear prayer area is located on the north façade, and a minaret stands in the northwestern corner. The structure was built using regularly cut stone masonry.

On the west and east façades, there are two windows each, arranged in two tiers; on the south façade, there are two windows in the lower row and three in the upper row. The lower windows are rectangular with stone lintels, flat soffits, and pointed arches above their openings. The upper windows also feature pointed arches.

The five-arched rear prayer area on the north side is covered by domes resting on octagonal drums, with diagonal vaults in the center and pendentives on the sides. This roofing system is supported by pointed arches resting on six columns. Two of the column capitals are of Turkish triangular type, while the other four are decorated with muqarnas.

Interior Space (Harim)

The entrance to the harim is from the north façade. The mihrab area between the window on the western side of the entrance and the minaret entrance at the western end is adorned with muqarnas corbels. The harim is covered by a central dome supported by pendentives. For natural illumination, fifteen windows are placed on the walls and eight along the base of the dome.

Environmental Arrangements

The Firdevs Bey Camii and its surroundings have been reorganized as part of a project undertaken by the Isparta Municipality. In accordance with approvals from the Antalya Regional Council for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and the Antalya Directorship of Foundations, work was carried out across an area of approximately 4,100 square meters. The surrounding walls were removed, the ground was paved with natural stone, and the mosque and the square in front were treated as a unified whole. These interventions were carried out in harmony with the completed phases of the Historical Üzüm Pazarı.