Battalgazi Grand Mosque

Battalgazi Ulu Mosque is a historical mosque in Malatya’s Battalgazi district, also known as Old Malatya. The history of this mosque, which is a favorite haunt of tourists, is definitely worth visiting and seeing.

History

Battalgazi Great Mosque was built by the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat I in 1224. Its architects are known as Yakup bin Ebubekir el-Malati and Mansur bin Yakup. Although damaged over time, repairs are made from time to time. Especially later on, important repairs were made by the Mamluks, Ottomans, and finally the General Directorate of Foundations. However, despite the restoration work, certain parts remain original.

During the Great Seljuk Empire, it was customary to build mosques to spread Islam. It is possible to see many mosques built with Seljuk architecture, especially in Iran. Battalgazi Ulu Mosque is the first and only mosque built with the Great Seljuk tradition in order to Turkify Anatolia and spread the religion of Islam during the Anatolian Seljuk period. It shows that Malatya is a very important and historical city in this respect.

Structure Features

Mostly brick and stone were used in the construction of Battalgazi Ulu Mosque. The mosque, which had three entrances at the time of its construction, namely South, West and East, now only functions as East and West doors. It has a dome and a minaret. Its minaret was damaged due to natural disasters. Even though the lightning striking its body is quite damaging, it still stands firm and preserves its aesthetic appearance.

There is a great aesthetic richness in this historical artifact, in which many geometric shapes are used. When looking at the symmetry, colors, objects, and shapes, it can be seen how rich and advanced the Seljuk tradition and architecture were. Battalgazi Ulu Mosque is one of the rarest pieces representing Seljuk architecture.

Must See?

Definitely, everyone should visit Battalgazi Ulu Mosque in Malatya and see that historical building with live eyes. The tiles, ceramics, and embroideries in this mosque, which is surrounded by natural beauty, reflect the history quite well because they preserve their naturalness. In the heat of the summer months, the coolness of the courtyard adds a different beauty. Visitors say that the historical and spiritual atmosphere there is worth seeing.