The mosque's walls are built using stone salvaged from the ruins of the Roman city of Callatis.
The minaret was restored in the 1990s using original techniques to preserve the historical aesthetic.
The cemetery surrounding the mosque contains rare, ornate tombstones dating back to the 18th century.
Water used for the ritual ablution fountain in the courtyard is piped from a source that has served the mosque since its foundation.
The mosque was declared a historical monument in 1992 by the Romanian Ministry of Culture.
The Esmahan Sultan Mosque, built in 1575, is the oldest Muslim place of worship in Romania. It was constructed by Safiye Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Selim II, in honor of her mother. The building features walls nearly 85 centimeters thick, constructed from local limestone. The interior retains its original architectural integrity, having survived various regional conflicts and urban changes. The mosque complex is surrounded by an ancient cemetery featuring 300-year-old tombstones with Arabic inscriptions. It serves as a functional religious center for the local Tatar and Turkish communities in Mangalia. The structure is one of the few remaining examples of 16th-century Ottoman architecture in the Dobruja region.
From the courtyard, capturing the minaret framing the mosque's entrance with the old stone tombstones in the foreground.
Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to enjoy the garden without the peak summer heat.
Observe the intricate Ottoman-era stone carving details on the exterior fountain.
Respect active prayer times by waiting until congregants have cleared the main prayer hall.
Do not attempt to take photographs of individuals while they are in the act of prayer.
Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall; women are expected to cover their heads and shoulders, and all visitors should wear clothing that covers knees and elbows.
