The prayer hall is square (16 x 16 m, inside dimensions) and covered by a large dome that rests - not on the walls - but on large pillars which are hidden into those walls. The spaces between the pillars are shaped as small iwans (= a space, usually vaulted, walled on three sides, with one end entirely open); they are ten in number (five opening into the eastern half of the prayer hall, and five opening into the western half).
The painted decoration of the dome, and the other murals were refreshed recently (2002); they display a style close to the original 16th century design. Such wall paintings are called ‘kalem işi’ (= work of the pen/paintbrush). They are inspired on the geometric or stylised ornamentation used by Ottoman calligraphers to illuminate books. The lower part of the walls are tiled with 16th century Iznik tiles showing flower motifs (predominantly carnations).

On the picture too: the mihrab (prayer niche, indicating the direction of Mecca) and the minber (pulpit).

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: Websites of ‘diyarbakirmuftulugu.gov.tr’ & ‘archnet.org’ .