Garipler Mosque

Garipler Mosque

The Green Minaret, also known as Garipler Mosque, is located in the heart of Tokat city. Its minaret is made of green glazed bricks, hence the name. It is considered the oldest mosque in Anatolia as it was constructed after the victory at Manzikert in 1071.

Historical documents suggest that Garipler Mosque was built by Danishmend Gazi in 1074 and underwent multiple repairs during the Seljuk, Ilkhanid, and Ottoman periods. The building was originally a Christian church that was later converted into a mosque.

Garipler Mosque

The square mosque has side walls that are approximately 20 meters in length and lacks any specific architectural style. Its thick walls and closed mass give it a central character, with the support system that determines the middle space separated from the side spaces by four piers and four columns.

The supporting system's substructure is constructed from square slabs and has pendentives at the top. The central domed space, around which all other spaces are built, is covered in tiles to give the exterior an archaic appearance. The spaces around the central domed area consist of vaulted recesses, which open outward into vault-covered walls.

The north wall is adjacent to a polygonal drum that attaches to the outside of the stone gargoyles. The projection has rows of rectangular cut stones, which once had soil covering but now serve as an entrance due to modern construction atop the site.

The minaret is the most original element from the Danishmend era, with green glazed bricks on a honeycomb part.w