Map

Having a reverse T plan, Muradiye Mosque is a good example for mosques with tabhane (guest room) (also known as mosques with zawiya, or multifunctional mosques). It is completely faced with cut stone on the outside and the minaret stands on the northwest corner. On the north side of the mosque, there is a five-bayed portico, the central bay of which is covered by a dome, while the others are covered with flat-topped cross vaults. Even though the inscription on the portal gives the date 1435-36, it was mentioned in the (now lost) charter document of Murad II dated to 1427. The portal with a lovely muqarnas canopy opens into the central court covered with a dome and a lantern. Upon entrance, there is the central court, which is flanked with domed tabhanes to the east and west. The prayer hall with the dome is in the south. The wall paintings, tiles and wooden decorations are especially noteworthy. Lower part of the walls of the prayer hall is covered with hexagonal blue-white tiles, which are ornamented with naturalist floral motifs among which are placed triangular tiles glazed in turquoise. The magnificent tile mihrab in cuerda seca and tile-mosaic techniques.

This mosque belongs to a complex, which consisted of a mosque, a mevlevihane (a lodge used by the dervishes), public kitchen, fountain and a school. According to the story, Sultan Murad II dreamt Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, asking him to build a lodge for his dervishes. So following the request of Rumi, the Sultan had this complex built. Sufi movements were quite strong in the Middle Ages in Asia Minor which coincidence with the Islamisation process. The Turks arrived in Asia Minor in 1071 and founded Seljukid State having Konya as capital in the central part of Asia Minor. Then they moved towards west via various principalities, of which the Ottomans were one of them. In due course of time The Ottomans became the sole ruler of Aisa Minor as well as Thrace expanding their territories towards central Europe, Middle East and North Africa. This monument shows the spread of the Sufi movements (in this particular case the movement of Rumi) towards Europe. Those itinerant dervishes played an important role for the conversion of the locals into Islam. The plans of the mosques with tabhanes were closely related to itinerant dervishes so that they could stay in those guest rooms.

There is no inter-religious relevance to speak of.

The religious influence can be discussed within the context of sufi movements in the Middle Ages in Anatolia and their role in conversion of non-Muslims into Islam.

- 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 mysticism in different religions.

Post-visit: Discussion on mystic movements in different religions.