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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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Eski Mosque, Edirne

Lise Bayırı Sk. Eski Cami No:6Sabuni Mahallesi, 22100 Edirne Merkez/Edirne

WEB SITE N/A
RELIGIONS Islam

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELIGIOUS SITE

DESCRIPTION
Having nine domes covering the prayer hall, this mosque resembles Bursa Great Mosque with 20 domes. Actually this was a Seljuk tradition of mosques with multiple bays of equal size. It is completely faced with cut stone on the outside. There is a portico at the entrance (north-west) built of stone and brick. On the walls and pillars there are religious inscriptions written with very large and bold letters. They are also paintings on the top section of the walls, on the interior of the domes, and on the mihrab. They were probably added in the renovation works carried out in the 18th century.
HISTORICAL RELEVANCE
After the defeat of Sultan Bayezid I by Tamerlane at Ankara War (1402), his sons began to fight over the throne, which is called inter-regnum for the state. First, the eldest brother Süleyman Çelebi emerged victorious and ascended the throne. However, in 1411, his brother Musa seized the capital Edirne. Then in 1413, Mehmed I, also known as Çelebi Mehmed, took the city from his brother. The construction of Eski Mosque began in 1403 during the time of Süleyman Çelebi, it continued during the period of Musa and was finally finished in 1414 during the reign of Sultan Mehmed I. It is the first grand mosque built by the Ottomans. This was where two sultans, Ahmet II (1691) and Mustafa III (1757) were girded with sword, a ceremony for ascension to the throne.
INTER-RELIGIOUS RELEVANCE
There is no inter-religious relevance to speak of. The city of Edirne fell into Turkish hands in 1362 and became the capital of the Ottomans until Constantinople was conquered by Mehmed II. The mosque itself was the visualization of the Ottoman dominance politically and religiously.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
There is no religious influence to speak of. On the other hand Geographically Edirne was the gateway to the West for the Ottoman army. Even, it was not a capital anymore; it was the center for the preparations of military expeditions to the Balkans and Europe. The army led by the sultan kicked off from Edirne with big ceremonies. Being Islam by faith, the power of the Ottoman army visualized in a flamboyant way was a clear political message of dominance to the faiths living within the empire or outside.
HOW TO USE WITH THE STUDENTS
- Direct visit
This is the ideal way but a virtual visit through a PPP presentation prepared by the teacher is also possible.
- Virtual visit (specify how)
A virtual visit through a PPP presentation prepared by the teacher is also possible.

- Classroom activity (pre- and post- visit)
Pre-visit: Research on architectural elements of dominant faith in a certain region as well as where the students live.

Post-visit: Discussion on the psychological effect of a religious building of the dominant faith for the people from faiths in minority.
REFERENCE TO THE GUIDELINE

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    This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.