Sarayburnu Mosque is a large-scale mosque located in the Bulancak district of Giresun Province, along the Black Sea Coastal Road. Construction began in 1987, and the mosque combines natural stone materials with traditional architectural elements and contemporary construction techniques. It reflects a synthesis of Ottoman and Seljuk architectural styles and can accommodate approximately 4,500 worshippers.
Sarayburnu Mosque (AA)
History
The mosque’s construction was initiated in 1987 under the leadership of Hacı Mustafa Eren Efendi from Eynesil, with support from the provincial governor, local institutions, and the public. The foundation incorporated 80 tons of iron and 5,000 m³ of gravel and sand. Walls were constructed with yellow-colored stones quarried and processed specifically for the project.
After a 29-year construction period, the mosque officially opened for worship in 2017, with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The construction involved cooperative community efforts, including contributions from local residents, philanthropists, and public institutions.
Sarayburnu Mosque (Photo: Ahsen Güneş)
Architectural Features
The mosque is a rare modern example of traditional stone architecture, featuring 130 cm thick walls and 16-meter wall heights. The main dome spans 19.10 meters in diameter and rises 38 meters, while two double-balcony minarets reach 50 meters in height. The total site area is 8,000 m², with a 2,268 m² enclosed prayer area and a 320 m² outer prayer hall (son cemaat mahalli).
It contains 17 domes of various sizes, wooden doors crafted using the kündekâri technique, a stone-decorated main entrance inspired by Divriği Grand Mosque, stained-glass windows, marble mihrab, and muezzin’s area. The kündekâri doors are formed by assembling small wooden pieces into intricate geometric patterns.
Sarayburnu Mosque (AA)
Interior and Artistic Elements
The marble mihrab follows traditional forms. The mosque incorporates classical Islamic arts such as calligraphy, illumination (tezhip), kündekâri, wood inlay, ebru (marbling), and miniature painting. Art education courses are planned in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education. Additional completed features include the northern marble gate, ablution area, and shadirvan at the qibla side, while landscaping continues.
Sarayburnu Mosque (Photo: Ahsen Güneş)
Function and Usage
Sarayburnu Mosque serves not only as a place of worship but also as a social and cultural hub. Plans include establishing a 5,000-book library, and combined with landscaping, it aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive spatial experience. The mosque’s water is sourced from a forest 42 kilometers away, which is also used by nearby communities.
Location and Access
The mosque is situated 7 minutes from Ordu-Giresun Airport, at the 16th kilometer of the Giresun-Ordu Highway, near the western entrance of Bulancak, along the seashore. Its accessibility via national and international transport networks and position on the Black Sea Coastal Road make it a frequently visited site by both local and foreign visitors.
Preservation and Future Plans
Built entirely with masonry stone, Sarayburnu Mosque is considered unique in Türkiye over the last two centuries. The structure is durable, long-lasting, and combines traditional techniques with modern construction, giving it contemporary cultural heritage value. The Sarayburnu Mosque and Complex Preservation Association oversees both the physical protection of the mosque and its active role as a religious and cultural center.
