Kestanepazarı Camii (Kestanepazarı Mosque), Izmir

The Kestanepazarı Mosque is a historical mosque located in the Kemeraltı Bazaar of the Konak district in Izmir. Built by Eminzade Hacı Ahmed Ağa in 1667-68 (1078 Hijri), the mosque is a notable example of Ottoman architecture in the region. Although some sources suggest that the construction may have been completed in 1663, historical records confirm the later date.

Architecturally, the Kestanepazarı Mosque is built from a combination of cut stone and rubble stone, standing on an infrastructure that includes numerous shops and warehouses. The mosque’s design features a centrally established harim (main prayer hall) covered by a large central dome. This dome is flanked by smaller domes at each corner, all supported by a tromp-style structure built on four corner vaults. The harim’s cruciform layout includes arms covered with barrel vaults, creating a balanced and spacious interior.

The last congregation area of the mosque, accessible via stairs, consists of a three-domed space, which was recently enclosed in glass. The minaret, positioned to the west, has a round body on a cut stone base and a single balcony. The mosque’s niche-shaped mihrab (prayer niche) was enhanced in the 19th century with elements brought from the Isa Bey Mosque in Selçuk, adding to its historical and architectural value.

The interior of the mosque is further adorned with an intricately designed mihrab niche featuring round columns of black marble with Ionic capitals and fluted columns. The wooden mahfil (gallery) in front of the north wall and the marble sermon pulpit supported by a squat column add to the elegance of the space. The decorative elements, including the floral motifs and plaster decorations, share similarities with those found in the nearby Hisar Mosque, highlighting the shared artistic styles of the period.