Mosques to Visit in Cappadocia
With its scenery, fairy chimneys and valleys, Cappadocia enchants visitors with its natural atmosphere. It is also a deeply historical region, known for its open-air museums, underground cities, churches, chapels and monasteries. Yet alongside these monuments of the Christian era, the region also preserves remarkable works from its Islamic history. Mosques, caravanserais and külliye complexes built in Seljuk and Ottoman style make Cappadocia even richer — and when it comes to mosques in Cappadocia, you can see fine examples of both Seljuk and Ottoman architecture.
Kurşunlu Mosque
One of the first mosques to visit in Cappadocia is the Kurşunlu Mosque. It takes its name from the lead (“kurşun”) covering the domes of its main hall. Built in 1726 with the motifs and architecture of the Tulip Era, the mosque carries an inscription with verses penned by the celebrated Ottoman court poet Nedim, honoring Damat İbrahim Paşa and the mosque itself.
Alaeddin Mosque
Built in 1223 by the architects Sıddık bin Mahmut and Gazi, the mosque bears a three-line inscription recording who commissioned it and when. Its skylight lantern, the number of interior domes, the fine stonework and the originality of its minaret make it the best architectural example among Seljuk mosques in the region.
Çavuşin Old Mosque
Its first imam is believed to have been Hafız Derviş. It is the second-oldest mosque in Çavuşin; originally covering just 35 m², it was later enlarged when its capacity fell short.
The mosque has a Seljuk-style minaret. Closed in 1958, it was restored and reopened to visitors in 2011.
Sungur Bey Mosque
Commissioned in 1335 by Seyfeddin Sungur Ağa, the mosque houses a wooden minbar inlaid with mother-of-pearl, whose inscription records that it was made by the master craftsman Hoca Ebubekir on Sungur Bey’s order.
The mosque has twin minarets, and its architecture blends Islamic and Gothic art. It burned in the 18th century and its roof is now supported by posts, so it is some way from its original appearance.
Taşkınpaşa Mosque
Another of the mosques to visit in Cappadocia is the Taşkınpaşa Mosque, a legacy of the Karamanid era located in the village of Damsa. It is decorated with borders carved in geometric patterns — though today, sadly, much of it has been whitewashed over.
Its walnut-inlaid mihrab is now exhibited at the Ankara Ethnography Museum, and it is exceptionally important as the only historical wooden example of its kind to survive to the present day.
Kızılkaya Mosque
The mosque takes its name from the village of Kızılkaya (formerly Arapsun) where it stands. Its inscription records that it was built in 1293 — commissioned by a woman named Karzaçay Hatun.
Despite being restored several times across different eras, the three-nave mosque still preserves its original character, which is genuinely admirable.
Abdioğlu Mosque
Two inscriptions at the entrance record that the mosque was built in 1258, written in Ottoman Turkish. Inside lies a single tomb belonging to a man named Abdioğlu, after whom the mosque is named; although his identity is not certain, he is believed to have been its founder. The mosque is located in Ortahisar, a town of Ürgüp.
Ulu Mosque
This 18th-century Ottoman work is also known as the underground mosque. Reached by stairs descending below ground level, it has a wide rectangular plan.
Orta Bektik Mosque
Named after the Orta Bektik neighborhood in central Nevşehir, the mosque carries a six-line inscription at its entrance recording that it was built in 1296.
When you visit Cappadocia, don’t end your tour without seeing the Seljuk and Ottoman mosques of the region. Cappadocia is famous for its many churches — but its mosques are just as precious, beautiful and well worth your time.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
The one thing you should never leave to chance on your Cappadocia trip is accommodation. We would be delighted to host you at MDC Cave Hotel Cappadocia, where the spacious cave-concept rooms, immaculate housekeeping and attentive staff offer everything you look for in a hotel — and more. You can also join the activities MDC Hotel organizes to make the most of your time in Cappadocia. Book the room that best suits your needs and start planning your stay today.
