HIDDEN TURKEY: YAZIR KÖYÜ’S ÇARŞI MOSQUE

Even if we’ve already talked about stunning mosques, there’s no excuse not to showcase another work of art that appears to be a part of “hidden Turkey.” We are taking you to the Çarşı Mosque, also called Hacı Ömer Ağa Camii, in Yazır Köyü this time. Nestled between Kibyra and Salda Gölü, this small community is accessible via the E87 that links Antalya and Denizli. Just like in any other Turkish hamlet, there is a modest mosque in the village square. You just need to enter this once. That’s the reason.

Life In The Shade Of Hacı Ömer Ağa Camii

WHEN APPEARANCES ARE DECEIVING: HIDDEN TURKEY IN A MOSQUE INTERIOR

An outside view of a mosque does not provide insight into its interior design. For example, the Çarşı Mosque in Yazır Köyü is a humble mosque that conceals its incredible interior. You probably wouldn’t stop if you were driving by it. On the other hand, if you hadn’t read about this mosque’s existence before heading out on the road, you most likely wouldn’t have ended up at Yazır village in the first place. If you are travelling from the seaside resorts of Antalya or Fethiye to Aphrodisias or Pamukkale, visiting the village just necessitates a little diversion.
This is a normal Turkish village, where people hide under the plane trees from the summer heat and life goes on at its own pace. All in all, the classic hidden Turkey.

Entering Çarşı Mosque At Yazır Köyü

View From The Mihrab Towards The Entrance Of Hacı Ömer Ağa Camii

Make sure to research mosque protocol in advance of your visit and find out when the prayers will be held that day. Visit the mosque as soon as possible after prayer, when you know it will be open. Spend some time at the neighbourhood tea shop next to the mosque if you arrive early. They have great “Tost” and offer a warm welcome. One benefit of waiting there is that you can see when the last individuals leave the mosque after prayer from your table. When they have, proceed to the door, remove your shoes, and, if you’re a lady, cover your hair. Don’t worry if you forgot your scarf—there are plenty of them inside.

Peaceful Exterior Of Hacı Ömer Ağa Camii

The headstone over the entrance indicates that the Çarşı Mosque at Yazır village was constructed in 1802–03 by Hacı Ömer Ağa. Three components make up the rectangular mosque designed in the Seljuk style. Ten wooden poles, six of which are free-standing, support the building. The mosque’s ceiling is broken up into little squares and beautifully decorated with instances of “pencil work on wood technique” featuring plant patterns.

The Detail Of The Painted Decorations On The Ceiling Is Mindblowing

The mosque interior is full of beautiful paintings on the panels on the walls in a style that – at the time – was only seen in big cities such as Istanbul. The three rows of decorations include curtains motifs, but also roses, tulips, and carnations in vases, baskets, and amphorae; as well as still-lifes with fruit such as apples, grapes, pomegranates, pears, watermelons.

The Corner Area Next To The Minbar Is Used For Koran Classes

Eye For Detail Throughout The Restoration Process

Above The Mihrab Two Frames Features Orginal Paintings And Manuscripts

Following a 2.5-year rehabilitation process, the mosque reopened in April 2015. The building has sustained extensive water damage over the years, and the restoration work was necessary to keep it intact. The mosque is again operational again, and the imam extends a warm welcome to everyone. The people are proud of this great edifice and are pleased to have visitors from outside their community.

The Women’s Prayer Hall At Çarşı Mosque Is The Perfect Place To Admire The Craftsmanship Of The Wooden Ceiling