Başdurak Camii (Başdurak Mosque), Izmir

Located in the heart of İzmir’s historic Kemeraltı Bazaar, the Başdurak Mosque stands as a testament to the city's rich Ottoman architectural heritage. Built in 1652 by Hacı Hüseyin Ağa, a grain merchant, the mosque was originally named after its founder, as recorded by the famed Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi. Over time, the mosque’s name evolved to Başdurak Mosque, reflecting its location in an area formerly known as Başoturak.

Architecturally, the Başdurak Mosque is a striking example of the Fevkani style, a unique combination of a mosque and a commercial structure. The mosque is built on a foundation that houses 28 shops and warehouses, creating a distinct mosque-bazaar complex. The lower level serves as a commercial area, while the upper floor is reserved for worship.

The mosque’s upper-floor prayer area has a square layout with a large dome supported by trumpet arches. The marble mihrab and pulpit are decorated with floral motifs and detailed carvings, featuring tulips, acanthus leaves, and carnations commonly seen in İzmir's mosques.

The mosque’s spacious interior is illuminated by large stained glass windows arranged in a single row and smaller windows in three rows, allowing natural light to enhance the vibrant turquoise walls. The dome is decorated with hand-drawn patterns in shades of brown and red, adding a warm contrast to the overall light-colored interior.

The mosque’s minaret, which was reconstructed on the site of the original that was destroyed, is situated on the northwest side. This careful restoration has preserved the historical essence of the mosque while adapting it to modern preservation standards, making the Başdurak Mosque a prominent cultural and architectural landmark in İzmir’s bustling Konak district.