Karakaş Bey Mosque

Karakaş Bey Mosque or Karakaş Mosque, a historic Ottoman-era mosque built in its original form in the 17th century, located within the boundaries of the Merkez district of Kırklareli province. After being demolished at an unknown date, it was rebuilt in reinforced concrete.

History

Since the mosque commissioned by Karakaş Hacı Mehmet Bey has no surviving inscription, the exact construction date is unknown. Although a plaque hung by the Kırklareli Muftiate over the entrance door gives the date 1699, the building, according to Ali Rıza Dursunkaya, was constructed in Hijri 1110 (AD 1698), according to Nazif Karaçam in 1684, or in 1628.

Renovations

The mosque, repaired in the Ottoman period in 1898, was also restored in 1900, 1959 and 1960.

The present structure is not in its original condition and, after being demolished at an unknown date, was rebuilt in reinforced concrete, but it is understood that the original features were not observed during this reconstruction. The original minaret was demolished down to its base and rebuilt, and a final prayer hall was added to the building.

It was registered on 20.04.1990 by decision number 646. The mosque is open for worship today.

Architecture

In its original form, the sanctuary part had a square plan, walls of rubble stone, a single-story minaret built of cut stone, and a wooden roof covered with tiles. After being rebuilt in reinforced concrete and a final prayer hall added, the mihrab and minbar inside the mosque are not original.