The Ulu Camii looks very restored and solid, but although I could not get in a look through a window gave an impression of an extremely simple design, lots of pillars, and a roof.

This Ulu Cami is one of the oldest mosques in Turkey: it was built by Cenebnizâde Hasan Bey in 1165, during the reign of the last Danişmend ruler, Melik Yağıbasan. Its structure is very simple: an almost rectangular prayer hall, preceded by a small outer gallery. The prayer hall is a basilica (or: pillar hall) with five naves, measuring 16½ x 12 m. Twenty-four heavy pillars bear the barrel vaults. Six small windows let some light in; the area in front of the mihrab gets light from a skylight under a dome.
The building has undergone very little changes since the 12th century, just the necessary repairs after the occasional minor damages because of earthquakes. Except for the minaret, which came down in 1939, and was rebuilt in 1967-1970.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: ‘Tokat’ (Ersal Yavi) – Tokat Otelcilik ve Turizm A.Ş. (1986) & Website of ‘www.forumalev.net’ .