The Grand (Ulu) Mosque & Jesus Well The oldest mosque located in the heart of Şanlıurfa is the Grand (Ulu) Mosque. Originally, the structure functioned as a synagogue before it was transformed into the Church of St. Stephen during the leadership of Bishop Rabula around 435–436 A.D.. Later, between 1170 and 1175, Nurettin Zengi converted the building into a mosque, and it has remained a place of Islamic worship ever since. The mosque belongs to the Anatolian multi-pedestal mosque category and features a rectangular layout with three parallel rows of diagonal vaults aligned on one side to indicate the direction of Mecca. The final congregation area, which opens onto a courtyard with fourteen-pointed arches, was originally part of the Şanlıurfa Ulu Mosque. Nowadays, an octagonal bell tower functions as the mosque’s minaret. According to legend, a handkerchief sent by Jesus to King Abgar through his Apostle Thomas was left inside a well within the mosque. It is believed that the water from this well possesses healing powers. King Abgar and his Kingdom of Edessa were among the earliest to embrace Christianity, and they sent envoys to invite Jesus to their land. Though Jesus could not visit, he sent his handkerchief with Apostle Thomas. Upon opening it, the king saw the image of Jesus’ face on the cloth and placed it into the well, hoping its presence would bring health to all. This well, now located within the mosque but originally part of the church, is believed to be where the handkerchief was cast. During the Republic era, the mosque's minaret was transformed into a clock tower by installing an analog clock. Today, it stands as the only clock tower in Urfa. The northwestern section of the mosque’s courtyard, enclosed by thick walls that once belonged to the original church before its conversion into a mosque, now serves as a cemetery. If you have any questions or need more information about The Grand (Ulu) Mosque & Jesus Well, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us on Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.