Murat Paşa Mosque, Antalya

The history of Antalya is intertwined with the Murat Pasa Mosque, the oldest settlement in the city. It was commissioned by Grand Vizier Kuyucu Murad Pasha in 1570. The Murat Pasa Mosque holds significant tourist appeal as one of Antalya's premier attractions.

Situated at the heart of Antalya, within the boundaries of the Muratpasa district, the Murat Pasa Mosque dates back to the Ottoman era. Interestingly, the mosque exhibits traces of Seljuk calligraphy art. The use of spolia, a common feature in numerous Turkish-Islamic structures in Anatolia, is also evident in the mosque's design. Notably, the columns positioned behind the narthex, along with their Corinthian-style capitals, represent the most prominent spolia elements in this architectural masterpiece.

The Murat Pasa Mosque boasts a wall constructed entirely of cut stones, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of its builders. Inside, an intricately designed inscription frieze adorns the upper portions of these walls. The interiors, spaces, and dome of the mosque are embellished with exquisite light-colored floral motifs set against a dark background. The mosque underwent repairs in 1960, ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate and admire.