Şerafeddin Camii

Şerafeddin Camii is a mosque located in the center of Konya, north of the government mansion, exhibiting characteristics of the Classical Ottoman architectural style. The structure has been rebuilt in different periods throughout its history, with its earliest construction dating back to the Anatolian Seljuk period. Over time, the mosque has been recorded under various names including Şerefeddin, Şerafeddin, and Şerefşirin.

History

The earliest recorded reference to the mosque’s initial construction is found in the endowment deed (vakfiye) of Devlet Hatun dated 611 AH/1214 CE. In this document, the structure is referred to as “Şerefeddin Mescidi.” During the Seljuk period, it is stated that the mosque was built in the early 13th century by Çeşnigir Şerefeddin Osman. The tomb adjacent to the mosque is also known to belong to this individual. Although the tomb has been reconstructed in modern times, the original structure was demolished in the 1920s.

The mosque’s second reconstruction occurred during the Karamanid Beylik period. Historical records indicate that it was substantially repaired or rebuilt in 1444 by Ibrahim II. The Arabic endowment deed from this period notes that alongside the mosque, a mill and shops were also endowed.

The present mosque was rebuilt in the early 17th century during the Ottoman period. Its endowment deed is dated 11–20 Şaban 1046 (8–17 January 1637). According to this deed, the mosque was commissioned by Mehmed Çavuş’s son, Memi Bey (Arıkzade Memi Bey), who allocated a budget of 260,000 akçes for its maintenance. The deed also contains detailed regulations regarding the mosque’s staff and their duties.

No foundation inscription has been found for the mosque; therefore, its exact construction date remains uncertain. However, based on its architectural features and the date of the endowment deed, it is estimated to have been built between 1590 and 1615.

Interior view of the mosque – Şerafeddin Camii

Architectural Features

Şerafeddin Camii follows the classical Ottoman mosque plan with a central dome supported on one side (south) by a half-dome. The central dome, resting on four piers, has been extended by the southern half-dome. Dome transitions are achieved through pendentives. The prayer hall is surrounded on three sides (east, west, and north) by galleries. The final prayer area is arranged with seven domes.

The structure is square in plan, with a final prayer area on the north side and a projecting section on the south side that integrates with the mihrab. The walls combine cut stone and alternating masonry techniques; particularly on the facades, craftsmanship using stones and bricks of different colors is prominent. Fragmentary Seljuk-era ceramic tiles scattered across the walls are considered remnants of the original structure. An inscription dated 1881 marking a restoration is located at the main entrance and portal.

The mihrab and minbar are made of marble and feature a simple design. Above the mihrab, muqarnas corbelling is present, while columns connected by pointed arches are found in the kiosk section. The interior is adorned with calligraphic paintings and inscriptions. The dome, arch soffits, mihrab projection, and surrounding window frames of the curtain walls are decorated with vegetal and geometric motifs.

The arches of the final prayer area are constructed using two-colored materials. The capitals of the columns feature carved motifs such as the Seal of Solomon, çintemani, and çarkıfelek. The entrance arch is framed within a marble border and emphasized with profile moldings.

Minaret and Tomb

The single-balconied minaret located on the eastern facade was reconstructed in the late 19th century. Its base is made of cut stone and its shaft is cylindrical. According to older sources, the mosque’s original minaret had two balconies and was decorated with ceramic tiles; it was destroyed in 1847 and 1873.

The Şerefeddin Tomb, situated south of the mosque, is believed to belong to Sheikh Şerafeddin, the founder of the original structure. This tomb was demolished in 1925; following excavations and studies conducted in 2003, it was reconstructed in 2010 adhering closely to its original plan. However, the current tomb has no significant artistic value.

Endowments and Staff

Numerous endowment deeds from earlier periods relating to the mosque have survived. These documents define various roles including imam, preacher, muezzin, superintendent, gallery supervisor, scribe, and memorizer of the Qur’an. From the 17th century onward, records detail expenditures concerning the mosque and its associated endowments such as inns, shops, and mills. These documents illustrate how the mosque functioned within the waqf system.

Restorations

The mosque has undergone numerous restorations since the 17th century. Detailed maintenance and renovations were carried out in 1677 and 1678. During the major restoration of 1881, the calligraphic decorations and inscriptions were executed by Mahbub Efendi, a renowned calligrapher and decorator from Konya. Restoration work initiated in 2017 is still ongoing.