The North Portal
Richly decorated with muqarnas (stalactite carvings) and floral geometric patterns.
The mosque was commissioned by Seyfettin Sungur Bey in 1335. During this time, Niğde was an important provincial capital under the Ilkhanids, a Mongol successor state. The building represents a transition period in Anatolian architecture, where the heavy, fortress-like Seljuk style began to embrace more intricate and varied decorative elements.
Architecturally, the mosque is famous for its eclecticism. While the layout follows the traditional Anatolian mosque plan, the decorative details—especially the windows—show a clear influence from the Lusignan architecture of Cyprus. This suggests a vibrant exchange of ideas and craftsmen across the Mediterranean and Anatolia during the 14th century.
Tragically, the mosque suffered a significant fire in the 18th century and underwent several restorations. However, the original stone portals remained intact, preserving the most artistic elements of the site. Today, it stands as the most important historical structure in Niğde and a must-visit for enthusiasts of medieval art.