Haci Ahmet Pasha Mosque

Introduction

Kurşunlu Mosque, located in Kayseri, is one of the works of Ottoman architecture built by Mimar Sinan. The other name of the mosque is Hacı Ahmet Paşa Mosque. It was named Kurşunlu Mosque because its central dome is covered with lead. It is the only work of Mimar Sinan, who created 12 works in Kayseri, that has survived to the present day. The mihrab, interior decorations, ablution fountain and pen embroidery allow the lines of Ottoman architecture to be seen.

The mosque, which is one of Mimar Sinan's double‑portico works, resembles Istanbul's Üsküdar Mihrimah, Atik Valide and Eminönü Rüstem Paşa Mosques in this feature.

History

Kurşunlu Mosque was commissioned by the 16th‑century Ottoman statesman Hacı Ahmed Paşa to Mimar Sinan. Although the construction date is generally accepted as 1573, a later date (1585) appears in the mosque’s foundation inscription. The building was erected as part of a complex consisting of a caravanserai, bathhouse, school and soup kitchen.

Kurşunlu Mosque is listed among the works attributed to Mimar Sinan. Because the building reflects the characteristics of classical‑period Ottoman architecture, it is evaluated among Mimar Sinan’s works.

Architectural Features

Kurşunlu Mosque is one of the original works of classical‑period Ottoman architecture in Kayseri. It is a single‑dome, single‑minaret mosque with a double portico and a single prayer hall, carrying the 16th‑century architectural character. Because its dome is covered with lead, it is popularly known as “Kurşunlu Mosque.” Inside, at the apex of the main dome, the 9th verse of the Surah of Friday, written in bold thuluth script, is placed on a black background with oxide gold lettering. Its Turkish meaning is: “O you who believe! When you are called to prayer on Friday, hasten to remember God, abandon trade. If you know, this is better for you.” From the dome apex down to the base, the ribs are divided into twelve segments that meet the other ribs below. These decorations, using Rumi and hatayi scripts, are painted in navy‑blue, dark red, white, and green. Apart from the main dome, there is no other embroidered part in the mosque. The rear prayer hall is covered by five small domes supported by marble columns. In the courtyard there is an eight‑columned, domed ablution fountain. The building is considered a modest‑scale mosque compared with Mimar Sinan’s large‑scale works. Stone material was used in its construction, and the choice of local material is seen as an approach to reduce costs.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Kurşunlu Mosque is among the structures attributed to Mimar Sinan. The building was constructed as part of a complex consisting of a mosque, caravanserai, bathhouse, school and soup kitchen during the Ottoman period. Only the mosque has survived to the present day from the complex. In this respect, the building is evaluated as one of the examples of the Ottoman-period complex concept. Kurşunlu Mosque is among the Ottoman-period structures that have reached the present day in Kayseri, and reflects the characteristics of classical period Ottoman architecture.

Current Situation and Restoration

Kurşunlu Mosque has undergone various repair and maintenance works throughout its historical process. The building is preserved today and continues to be used as an open place of worship. The mosque is among Kayseri's historic structures and is visited.