Gaziantep Kurtuluş Camii

Kurtuluş Camii is a historical structure located in the Tepebaşı Neighborhood of Şahinbey District in Gaziantep. It was constructed between 1873 and 1892 as the Valide Meryem Church. During its time as a church, it is known to have also served as a prison for a period. The building was restored in 1984 and converted into a mosque in 1988. Most recently, a comprehensive five-year restoration project carried out by the Regional Directorate of Foundations was completed, and the mosque was reopened for worship in 2017.

Kurtuluş Camii (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Architectural Features

The mosque is built on an area of approximately 1100 square meters and reaches a height of 30 meters from the ground. The structure has a rectangular plan and features a tall dome with round drums. Local black and white cut stones are used on the exterior façade. The windows are arranged in three rows: the lower and middle rows have pointed arches while the upper row features round arches. The roof is covered with a broken-pitch design.

Church Bell and Minarets

The original church bell, manufactured in Brazil, weighs approximately one ton. This bell is currently preserved at the Gaziantep Archaeology Museum. During the conversion of the church into a mosque, half of the bell tower was demolished and replaced with a single-balconied minaret with a square base and circular shaft. Additionally, a second minaret was added to the structure in 1985.

Entrance Doors and Substructure

Kurtuluş Camii has a total of five entrances. Two of these face north, two face south, and the main entrance opens to the west. Beneath the mosque, twelve shops remain in active use today.

Cultural and Social Significance

Kurtuluş Camii is an important structure that reflects both the historical fabric and social life of Gaziantep. Beyond serving as a place of worship, it is one of the central hubs of social activity in its neighborhood. The mosque interacts with the shops beneath it and the surrounding community, playing a vital role in preserving and sustaining Gaziantep’s cultural heritage.

Restoration and Reopening

The restoration of the building was completed through a five-year project led by the Regional Directorate of Foundations. The mosque was reopened for worship on 17 June 2017 during a ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak, President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Mehmet Görmez, Governor of Gaziantep Ali Yerlikaya, Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin, numerous protocol members, and local residents. Speeches delivered at the opening emphasized the importance of safeguarding historical monuments.