Sungur Bey Mosque

Sungur Bey Mosque

Located in the southwest region of the Niğde Citadel, the Mosque of Sungur Bey was constructed in 1335 with a rectangular design and two minarets. Its entrance door features intricate kündekari and hand-carved artwork using mother-of-pearl, showcasing a level of detail that is unmatched in the region. The mosque's minbar, or pulpit, is also decorated with fine ivory carvings, making it a truly remarkable piece of artistry. The building's architectural style is a unique blend of Anatolian Seljukian and Gothic artistry, making it a one-of-a-kind structure.

Little is known about the architect responsible for the mosque's construction, but during its building, two craftsmen worked on its ornamental pieces. Hoca Ebubekir created the pulpit and door wings on the northern side of the building, while Hacı Muhammed made those on the Eastern side. An inscription dated 1469-70 AD on the main entrance opening of the eastern crown gate suggests that the mosque underwent some repairs around that time. The mosque is laid out on sloping land, with long sides in an east-west direction and measuring 28.45x37.10 meters from the outside. It features a portal to the harim on the east and north facades, as well as a tomb situated before the east facade. The mosque's construction uses finely cut trachyte stone of yellowish color, which adds to its unique aesthetic appeal.

Sungur Bey Mosque

The construction of this building showcases exceptional workmanship, evident in the meticulous attention to detail in the crown doors on the east and north facades, as well as the "gentleman's door" located in the east corner of the north facade which requires a ladder for access.

One of the most distinguishing features of Eyvan Gothic Architecture is the Rib Vault, which was exclusively used in the iwan and some mihrabiyes. Other areas were left open to allow natural light to illuminate the space. Geometric and figural motifs were predominantly used in the decoration of this style.

Eyvan Gothic Architecture boasts several unique features that set it apart from other architectural styles. The North Panel features 37 figures, while the South Panel has 42 figures, including birds, elephants, horses, panthers, antelopes, dragons, rats, bulls, rabbits, monkeys, dogs, lions, sheep, ducks, and fish. It is believed that these figures were intended to decorate the crown door, representing the Twelve Animals of the Turkish Calendar.

The North Crown Gate is adorned with geometric patterns and features plant and figurative carvings. All four windows on the lower half of the west wall date back to medieval times and remain in excellent condition. Similarly, three windows on each side of the upper part of the mosque have also withstood the test of time. The pulpit at the Out Mosque is adorned with wooden decorations that have survived to this day.