Ali Yıldırım
The Sultan Selim Mosque (Selimiye Mosque) is located adjacent to the tomb of Hazreti Mevlana, to the west. It holds a central position both physically and in terms of Konya’s religious life. Religious and cultural events are frequently organized in the spacious square in front of it.
The mosque, which exhibits features of classical Ottoman architecture, is also mentioned in sources by names such as Câmi-i Cedid and Câmi-i Şerîf-i Sultan Süleyman.
The History of Sultan Selim Mosque
Contrary to common belief, the Sultan Selim Mosque was not commissioned by Sultan Selim II but was actually built by his father, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Its construction began in 1558 and was completed in 1567. When Sultan Selim added an imaret, a charitable institution, next to the mosque, it began to be associated with his name.
The Square
Sultan Selim Mosque is situated between the Mevlana Shrine and the no-longer-standing dergah (Islamic monastery) bathhouse. Later, Sultan Selim II had an imaret (charitable institution) built in the area, and in 1584, Sultan Murad III constructed the Sultan Selim Medrese along with the Dervish cells in the Mevlana Shrine. Apart from the Yusuf Ağa Library located to the west of the mosque, the other structures no longer exist today.
The square underwent a restoration process that began in 2013 and concluded in 2017, taking its current form. It is a venue where religious and cultural events are frequently held. For instance, a Janissary band performs here every Thursday. Additionally, activities such as ceremonies for Quran students who have completed summer courses, sema (whirling dervish) performances, and musical presentations also take place.
Entrance Gates and Kavsara
The main entrance of Sultan Selim Mosque faces the square, which is to the north. There is a women’s entrance on the east side, and another entrance on the west side.
The marble craftsmanship on the main entrance gate’s kavsara, the semicircular area above the gate, is impressive. This type of three-dimensional concave interior ornamentation is called “mukarnas filling.”
Mihrab and Pulpit
The mihrab and pulpit are constructed from white and clean marble. The mihrab niche is angular. Similar niches have also been built to the right and left of the main entrance.
Yusuf Ağa Library
Yusuf Ağa Library is located adjacent to the western wall of Sultan Selim Mosque. It is the only remaining structure among the libraries built during the Ottoman period in Konya. It was constructed in 1795 by Yusuf Ağa, the steward of Mihrişah Sultan, the mother of Sultan Selim III. The library is still in use today.
The medrese (theological school) located to the south of the mosque, which was also built by Yusuf Ağa, was demolished in the 1950s. Additionally, the muvakkithane (timekeeping institution) and the tomb bathhouse, which were responsible for determining prayer times, were also demolished at the same time.
