Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği stands as an extraordinary example of architecture, combining a hypostyle mosque with a two-level hospital. The mosque is topped with a hexagonal roof ending in a pointed apex, sheltering its prayer niche located above an ablutions basin at the heart of the prayer area. On the north and west façades, impressive stone portals adorned with detailed carvings welcome visitors. Within the structure, five aisles are formed by four rows of four piers, all covered by finely sculpted stone vaults. The adjoining hospital, known as Darush-shifa (which means "house of healing" in Turkish), was founded by Turan Melek, spouse of Ahmet Shah, and designed by architect Hurrem Shah during 1228-1229. Entrance to the hospital is gained through a richly carved stone portal on the west side, leading into a double-height atrium supported by four massive piers. Above the central pool is a dome featuring an oculus, with hospital rooms arranged around this serene space. The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği stands as an exceptional landmark, combining a spacious hypostyle mosque with a two-level hospital. At the center of the expansive prayer hall, the mosque’s prayer niche rests above an ablutions basin and is sheltered by a hexagonal roof with a pointed apex. Both the north and west façades feature grand stone portals adorned with elaborate carvings. Fascinatingly, the mosque’s entrances cast shadows resembling a man bowing in prayer, which shift to symbolize the mosque’s spiritual function. The design also includes depictions of two figures in distinctive attire, indicating which door to use depending on one’s clothing. Although Islamic art permits tessellations to create visual patterns on surfaces, figurative painting or images are generally prohibited. The architect cleverly employed tessellations here as an artistic solution that respects Islamic design traditions. The hospital’s access is located on the west side, mirroring the mosque’s north-facing portal. The stone carvings here are less dense and appear incomplete in some sections. Inside, the hospital consists of rooms and iwans arranged around an open courtyard featuring a small pool at its center. A staircase near the entrance leads to the second floor on the southern side, which functioned as both a dynastic tomb chamber and provided an opening to the mosque. The Divriği Mosque stands out as an extraordinary example of a Seljuk mosque in Anatolia because it lacks a traditional courtyard, colonnades, and an open ablutions basin. Instead, all religious activities are accommodated within a fully enclosed space, likely a response to the region’s severe climate. The adjoining hospital, established as a charitable institution by princely decree, further enhances this remarkable complex. In 1985, the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, affirming its importance as a historical and architectural treasure. For any questions or further information about the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via Whatsapp, and we will reply as soon as possible.