Kayseri’s Spiritual Center: The 800-Year Story of the Cami-i Kebir (Grand Mosque)

In the very heart of Kayseri’s bustling bazaar, a magnificent structure rises, defying the flow of time: Cami-i Kebir, or as it’s known by the people, the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque)… This is not just a place of worship, but also the city’s memory, a seal of the Danishmend and Seljuk civilizations carved in stone. Let us step through the gates of this ancient structure and listen to the stories that have accumulated within its walls for centuries.

A Legacy from the Depths of History

The foundations of Cami-i Kebir date back to 1135, to the era of the Danishmend Beylik, which played a major role in the Turkification of Anatolia. This monument, built by the Danishmend ruler Melik Mehmet Gazi, holds the title of being one of the oldest mosques in Kayseri. It reached its present magnificent form with significant additions and restorations made between 1205-1206, during the reign of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat. With this feature, it possesses a unique architecture that blends both Danishmend simplicity and Seljuk aesthetics.

Whispers of Architecture: What Should You See?

When you step into the Ulu Mosque, you are greeted not only by a spiritual atmosphere but also by eye-catching architectural details.

The Brick Minaret: One of the most striking elements of the mosque is its brick minaret, rising in the middle of the courtyard. Embodying the characteristic features of Seljuk architecture, this minaret whispers the elegance of the past to the present day with its remnants of tile mosaics. The turquoise-colored tiles beneath the minaret’s balcony seem to sparkle when the sun hits them.

Simple and Majestic Interior: The interior of the mosque is not as ornate as its exterior. This simplicity makes the space more peaceful and spiritual. The thick pillars supporting the wide, high ceiling instill a sense of both security and admiration. Its mihrab (prayer niche) and minbar (pulpit) are simple yet impressive examples of Seljuk stone and woodwork.

The Ablution Fountain and Historic Plane Tree in the Courtyard: The mosque’s courtyard is a perfect sanctuary to escape the city’s chaos for a moment. The sound of the water from the central ablution fountain and the historic plane tree, which has stood in its shade for centuries, offer visitors a peaceful resting place.

The Story of the Seven Bricks

There is a legend concerning the construction of the Ulu Mosque. According to this legend:

While having the mosque built, Melik Mehmet Gazi told his craftsmen not to accept help from anyone, as the mosque was to be entirely his own charitable work.

An old woman who came to the construction site, stating she was a widow, asked for the 7 bricks she had brought with her to be placed in the mosque’s wall as her own contribution. The master builder, remembering Melik Mehmet Gazi’s order, did not accept the old woman’s request. The next day, when Melik Mehmet Gazi came to inspect the construction, he called the master builder and told him he couldn’t sleep all night, saying, “They came into my dream. They said you upset an old woman, and if you do not use the bricks she brought, the life of the mosque will be as short as the number of those bricks.” After the master builder explained the incident, Melik Mehmet Gazi ordered the old woman to be found. The officials who dispersed throughout the city found the old woman with 7 bricks in front of her house after a long search and brought her to the construction site. Melik Mehmet Gazi kissed the old woman’s hand and said, “Mother, our decision was not to upset you. We did not accept donations to prevent the poor from facing hardship. We will place the bricks you brought in the most beautiful place in the mosque,” and the bricks were placed in a suitable location.

In the eastern section of the Ulu Mosque, on the wall made of cut ashlar stones, there are still 7 bricks. And this has been the source of the legend.