1. Murat Hudavendigar Mosque

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The building is a unique 'inverted T' plan, which combines the mosque and the madrasa into a single unified structure.

2. 2

   The mosque's facade design, particularly the double-arched portico, shows stylistic influences attributed to interaction with Italian architecture of the period.

3. 3

   Sultan Murad I, the patron, was the first Ottoman ruler to hold the title of 'Sultan' and died during the Battle of Kosovo in 1389.

4. 4

   The building served as a functional center for both religious study and communal prayer, acting as a social welfare institution.

5. 5

   The exterior walls exhibit a characteristic alternating pattern of brick and stone masonry common to 14th-century Bursa monuments.

Overview

The I. Murat Hudavendigar Mosque is a two-story structure commissioned by Sultan Murad I in the late 14th century, blending traditional Ottoman architecture with Italian influence. It is distinct for being a 'mosque with a madrasa,' where the prayer hall is located on the upper floor while the lower floor served as a religious school. The facade features a distinct exterior porch with marble columns and arches reflecting early Bursa-style construction. The interior utilizes a reverse T-plan, common to early Ottoman architecture, separating the sanctuary from secondary chambers. A large central dome covers the prayer area, complemented by smaller domes over the side units. The stonework includes a mix of brick and cut stone, typical of the 1380s building period. It is situated in the Çekirge district, historically connected to the thermal spring culture of the city.

Insider tips

• Visit during the afternoon to appreciate the way light enters the upper-floor prayer hall.

• Observe the exterior masonry carefully to spot the decorative brickwork patterns that date back to the original construction.

• Take time to explore the immediate surroundings in Çekirge, which are historic thermal sites.