Kursunlu Mosque and Complex

Kursunlu Mosque and Complex

The Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex was constructed between 1517 and 1525 during the Ottoman Empire as a place of worship and social gathering. It was commissioned by a vizier, and though the architect is unknown, it is speculated to have been designed by Acem Ali, the head architect before Sinan.

The mosque's name originates from its lead-covered dome, which crowns a single-dome structure made of stone. The interior boasts classical architecture with marble columns and tiled domes, while the exterior features a narthex with a shadirvan, zawiya, harem, imaret, and mausoleum of Mevlevi Order sheikhs. The complex also includes two caravanserais.

Kursunlu Mosque and Complex

Adjacent to the mosque is an annex that houses a social complex with seven sections. One of these sections has been transformed into an art market that primarily showcases meerschaum craftsmanship, calligraphy, paper marbling, manuscript illumination, and embroidery, all of which are traditional Turkish arts. Visitors can both observe and purchase art items at the market.

The Eskişehir Meerschaum Museum is situated near the art market, and admission is free. The museum exhibits various meerschaum-made objects, including handmade pipes.