Salepçioğlu Camii (Salepçioğlu Mosque), Izmir

The Salepçioğlu Mosque is an important landmark in the Konak district of Izmir. Constructed between 1897 and 1905 by Salepçizade Hacı Ahmed Ağa, it stands as a symbol of the region's late Ottoman architecture. Supervised by Mehmet Emin Efendi, the Kadısı of Izmir, the mosque was built by Salepçizade's will, although some sources suggest that only the minaret was completed by 1905, with further construction potentially continuing until 1907.

The architectural layout of the mosque is unique, with the upper floor serving as the main prayer hall and the ground floor originally functioning as a madrasa. However, the madrasa was closed in 1924, and the space found diverse uses over the years, serving as the Wrestling Specialization Club and the Green Crescent Society between 1945 and 1967. It was eventually reopened for worship in 1985 and currently serves as a Qur'an course.

Salepçioğlu Mosque stands out with its marble and dark green stone exterior, while its green-themed interior features intricate arches and detailed windows. The ground floor has four marble fountains, and the courtyard includes red stone bollards and a pool. The last congregation area is topped by three domes. The marble mihrab and pulpit are decorated with geometric and floral motifs. The minaret, originally on an octagonal base, was destroyed in earthquakes in 1927 and 1974 but rebuilt each time. A major restoration led by the Izmir Chamber of Commerce began in 2011.

Today, the Salepçioğlu Mosque is situated at the intersection of Anafartalar Street, First Beyler Street, and Kestelli Street, in the heart of the bustling Kemeraltı market area. Despite its historical significance and architectural beauty, the mosque’s visibility has been somewhat diminished by the construction of the concrete Salepçioğlu Bazaar, which has altered the surrounding landscape and partially obscured the mosque from the view of Kemeraltı’s visitors.