Göğceli Mosque is an original wooden worship structure located within the borders of Çarşamba district, Samsun province, in Türkiye's Black Sea Region, and dates back to the Anatolian Seljuk period. It holds a special place in architectural history due to its construction entirely without nails and its survival for centuries. Also known as the "Nail-less Mosque," this structure is one of the rare surviving examples of traditional wooden building techniques in Anatolia.
Geographical and Urban Location
Göğceli Mosque was built in Göğceli Neighborhood, Çarşamba district of Samsun, in an alluvial and loose-soiled geography close to the Yeşilırmak River. Its survival for centuries despite the dynamic geological structure of the plain demonstrates the durability of the techniques used in its construction. The area where the mosque is located has historically been a region where both settlement and agricultural activities were concentrated.
History
According to the inscription on its mihrab wall, Göğceli Mosque was built in 1206, during the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate period. With this date, the mosque is considered one of the oldest surviving wooden mosques in Türkiye. While wooden structures generally do not last long due to reasons such as fire, moisture, and insect infestation, the fact that Göğceli Mosque has survived for such a long time is remarkable. The mosque, which continued to be used during the Ottoman period, served as the center of worship for the local people for centuries, and was strengthened with minor repairs from time to time. It was placed under protection in the 20th century and has been restored as part of cultural heritage efforts since the early 21st century.
Göğceli Mosque (Çarşamba Municipality)
Architectural Features
1. Plan and Structural System
Göğceli Mosque is a single-story, single-space building with a rectangular plan. The harim (prayer) section of the mosque is supported by a total of 16 wooden columns arranged in four rows. These columns are connected by horizontal beams, forming the supporting system of the roof. The upper covering is a sloping wooden roof with wide eaves. The portico (son cemaat yeri) has three bays and is designed with wooden material, in harmony with the main structure.
2. Nail-less Construction Technique
The most distinctive feature of the building is that it was constructed without the use of nails. Instead, the "mortise and tenon" method, one of the traditional Turkish carpentry techniques, was used. Wooden pieces were fixed by fitting into specially carved slots. This technique made the structure flexible, providing resistance to ground movements and earthquakes.
3. Wooden Material and Workmanship
Durable types of wood, such as oak and pine, were used throughout the entire structure. The surfaces of the wooden elements bear simple but striking carving marks. The mosque, which is quite plain in terms of ornamentation, shows traces of traditional Anatolian craftsmanship in elements such as the mihrab and minbar. The walls are covered with protective layers against external factors.
4. Mihrab, Minbar, and Lectern
The mihrab is the most striking element in the structure and is located at the center of the qibla wall. It was prepared using a wooden carving technique without the use of plaster. The minbar is also made of wood and is simply adorned with geometric patterns. Although the lectern was added later, it was placed in a way that does not disrupt the architectural integrity of the structure.
Conservation Status and Restoration Works
Göğceli Mosque underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2008. During the restoration work, it was observed that the original wooden skeleton was largely preserved, and only decayed or non-functional parts were renewed using the same technique. The mosque's foundation was strengthened, its drainage system was regulated, and the surroundings of the structure were enclosed with protective boundaries. Today, the structure, which is open for both worship and visitation, is protected as a registered cultural property under the control of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Göğceli Mosque (AA)
Cultural Value of Göğceli Mosque
Göğceli Mosque is important not only for its architectural and technical features but also for its cultural heritage value. Representing the Anatolian wooden mosque architecture tradition vividly, the structure ensures the transfer of traditional knowledge to the present day. It is cited in academic research as an example of the durability of wooden architectural techniques against earthquakes; at the same time, it holds a significant place in the cultural memory of the local people.
Göğceli Mosque, as an original representative of Anatolian Seljuk period wooden architecture, holds multi-faceted importance for architectural, historical, and cultural research. Its nail-less construction technique, selection of long-lasting materials, and resistance to earthquakes demonstrate not only the past but also the sustainability of traditional building knowledge in the present day.
