Capanoğlu Mosque

Capanoğlu Mosque

The Capanoğlu Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque or Ulucami, is a prominent example of Turkish architecture influenced by European styles during the Ottoman Empire period. Located in central Yozgat city, the mosque is divided into two sections: the interior mosque and the exterior mosque.

Capanoğlu Mosque

The southern portion of the mosque, known as the interior mosque, was constructed around 1193 (1779) and is attributed to Çapanoğlu Mustafa Bey. The north side addition, or the exterior mosque, was completed in 1208 (1793-94) by his brother Süleyman Bey, as indicated by an inscription on the middle door opening to the current entrance portico.

The mosque is surrounded by an enclosed courtyard, with entrances on the east, west, and north sides. The interior and exterior of the mosque are decorated with intricate hand-drawn designs, including marble imitation paintings and depictions of branches, leaves, flowers, and fruit on the main dome and pendentives.

The main entrance to the mosque, located at the outer mosque's main harem, features rich decoration with acanthus leaves, C and S folds, and seashell motifs. The altar is adorned with baroque motifs, while the pulpit is decorated with colorful veined marbles in various shapes.

The mosque also contains the tomb of the Çapanoğlu family, located in the northwest corner of the complex. The tomb features 18 sarcophagi and is entered through an arched door. With its impressive architectural elements and interior decoration, the Capanoğlu Mosque is considered one of the best examples of baroque art in Anatolia.