The Kutlubey Camii (also named ‘Ulu Cami’ = Great Mosque) was built in 1429 by the Ottoman commander Kutlubey, in replacement of a Seljuk mosque that had collapsed. It became the most important mosque of the town, from which the yearly pilgrimage caravan to Mecca took off.
This new mosque had to be rebuilt several times, altering the original architecture. The present building dates mainly from the beginning of the 20th century. Several Greek (‘Rum’) architects were involved in the project; this explains most probably the slightly Greek-orthodox looks of the interior (slender wooden pillars dividing the space in three naves). After the earthquake of 1914, important new repairs were needed (1926). A last restoration happened in 1990/91.

On the picture: the high central dome of the prayer hall, and the mihrab (prayer niche, indicating the direction of Mecca) and minber (pulpit for Friday sermons). The upper half of the walls, the arches and domes are decorated with paintings in neo-Turkish Baroque/rococo style, inspired on late-19th century examples.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: M.Baki Atış, Isparta.