Map

The mosque was built by İsa Bey in 1375. He was the youngest son of Mehmed Bey, the founder of Aydın Emirate. The mosque was built right on the slopes of Mount Ayasuluk where the church of St. John and the medieval fortress of the town are. The rectangular mosque is situated in the southeastern part of a large courtyard that was surrounded by high walls. The entrance to the courtyard is on the west through a magnificent marble portal. The transept aisle running perpendicular to the qibla is covered with two domes and there are two lateral aisles topped by wooden pitched roofs. Its plan and decoration show close resemnlance with Grand Mosque of Damascus. This resemblance can be explained with the origin of the architect, Ali ibn al Dmashki that he was originally from Damascus. Later in the 19th century, the mosque was used as a caravanserai. Once looked from outside, with the rectangular shape, domed and pitched roofs, the building resembles a mosque. Many travellers in the 19th century thought that it was converted from a mosque.

Modern town of Selçuk is located on medieval Ephesus, which was not called so anymore but Hagios Theologos meaning Holy theologian defining St. John the Evangelist who died and buried here. The name evolved into Ayasuluk in Turkish time and then the town took the name Selçuk in 1914. The city was the capital of Aydın Emirare between 1348-1390 and was an important commercial center through which a prosperous life came along.

Though it was not an important commercial hub anymore, Selçuk was another example of typical Ottoman multi-ethnic and multi-religion society. But he break of WWI changed the situation drastically. Since the Ottoman Empire was on the loosing side together with Germany, Empire was subject to occupation of Western countries. Greek occupied western Asia Minor starting from İzmir. It took almost 3 years until the War of Independence by Turkish army led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to reach victory. Republic of Turkey was founded (1923) and an agreement was signed with Greece on population exchange. The Orthodox Greek population was replaced by Muslims coming from different parts of Greece and the Balkans. It is now one of the man pilgrimage stop for Christian due to Ephesus and St. John’s Church as well as Virgin Mary’s House.

There is no religious influence to speak of due to lack of multi-religion society but being the top touristic site (Ephesus and Selçuk) have continues daily intercourse with people from all around the world. The potential of tourism

A direct visit, if possible, would be the best way for students to experience the atmosphere of the place.
- Virtual visit : A PPT presentation prepared by the tutor enriched with visuals.
- Classroom activity (pre- and post- visit)
Pre-visit activity: Search on the shape (and architecture) of religious buildings in their area.
Post-visit: Discussion on the shape and architecture and if they define a certain faith by shape.