Amed Grand Mosque: The First and Oldest Mosque of Anatolia

Amed Grand Mosque: Anatolia's First and Oldest Mosque
Rising within Diyarbakır's historic city walls with the black splendor of basalt stones, the Grand Mosque is not only a place of worship but also the most important witness to the Islamization process of Anatolian lands. Conquered in 639 by the Arab commander Iyad bin Ganem during the reign of Caliph Omar, Amid (Diyarbakır) became the first stop of Islamic civilization in Anatolia, and the Grand Mosque rose on these ancient lands. One of the oldest mosques in the world after the Masjid al-Haram, the Amed Grand Mosque took its present form in 1091-1092 during the reign of Seljuk Sultan Malikshah. However, the foundations of the structure go back much further, to the Roman and Byzantine periods. The mosque was built on the ruins of the Church of St. Thomas, built in 37 AD - this layered history is concrete evidence of Mesopotamia's characteristic as a cradle of civilizations for thousands of years. Architectural Depth and Symbolism:
The architecture of the Great Mosque of Amed is a magnificent mosaic bearing traces from different periods of the Islamic world. The mosque's plan shows similarities to the plan of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus – this similarity is not a coincidence, but a sign of the continuity of the early Islamic architectural tradition.
The Zenciriye Madrasa and the Great Fountain, located in the center of the courtyard, are adorned with geometric decorations and Kufic inscriptions. The Mesudiye Gate on the north facade of the mosque is one of the examples of the stonework of the Artukid period. Dragon, lion, and eagle motifs on every stone – deep traces of the cosmological symbolism of Anatolian Seljuk art.
The mihrab of the mosque is located in the Nizamiye Mosque section and has an extremely simple but impressive design. The cold texture of the black basalt stone creates a mystical atmosphere in the interior. The spacious prayer hall with 99 columns is one of the rare examples where Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Artukid decorations are found together in the column capitals. Historical Layers and Cultural Heritage:
Amed Grand Mosque is not just an architectural structure, but also a multi-layered history book:
1. Roman Period (37 AD): Originally built as the Church of St. Thomas, it bears traces of the early Christian period.
2. Byzantine Period (400-639 AD): Used as a Christian place of worship under the control of the Byzantine Empire.
3. Umayyad Period (639-750): Converted into a mosque after the conquest during the reign of Caliph Omar, it became one of the first mosques of Islam in Anatolia.
4. Seljuk-Artuklu Period (1091-1408): Expanded and enriched by Melikshah and then the Artukids. This period is the golden age in which the architectural identity of the mosque was shaped.
5. Akkoyunlu and Ottoman Period (1408-1923): Various repairs and additions were made, but its original character was preserved.
6. Republican Period: Undergoing extensive restoration in the 1960s, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Special Sections and Details:
Şadırvan-ı Kebir (Great Fountain): Built in 1155 by the Artuklu ruler Kutbüddin İlgazi, this octagonal fountain is one of the oldest and most beautiful fountains in Anatolia. The marble work, decorated with geometric patterns and Kufic inscriptions, is a perfect example of the mathematical aesthetics of Islamic art.
Mesudiye Gate: This monumental gate, built between 1160-1175, is a masterpiece of Artuklu period stone carving. The animal figures on the gate - lion, dragon, double-headed eagle - are magnificent examples of the synthesis of Central Asian Turkic iconography with Islamic art. 99 Columns: The 99 columns supporting the interior of the mosque were constructed with materials salvaged from different periods. Each column capital is different – ​​Roman Corinthian order, Byzantine leaf motifs, Seljuk geometric patterns all in one. This diversity is tangible evidence of continuity and cultural dialogue between civilizations.
Zenciriye Madrasa: Built in 1198 by the Artuklu ruler Melik Salih Nasreddin Mahmud. The madrasa's name comes from the chain on its entrance gate – according to legend, this chain was hung to humble arrogant people.
Cultural and Religious Significance:
The Amed Grand Mosque holds a special place at the intersection of Kurdish culture and Islamic history. For the Muslim communities of Diyarbakır and its surroundings, it is not just a mosque, but a symbol of identity and history. The courtyard, overflowing during Friday prayers, is a living testament to the uninterrupted social and religious life of centuries. The tradition of delivering sermons in three languages ​​– Arabic, Kurdish, and Turkish – reflects the multicultural fabric of the region. During Ramadan, especially during the Tarawih prayers, the atmosphere of the mosque takes on a mystical depth – the black basalt walls come alive with the light of oil lamps.