Kiziltepe or Dunaysir Grand Mosque The Kiziltepe or Dunaysir Grand Mosque was originally constructed by Artuqid Beg Yülük Arslan and later completed by his brother Artuq Arslan following his death in 1204. After a long period of neglect, the mosque has since been carefully restored to regain its original grandeur. Situated in the northwest area of present-day Kiziltepe, this mosque has a rectangular design with a spacious prayer hall, which is preceded by an open courtyard nearly twice its width. The courtyard is surrounded by halls on three sides, although only the foundations remain on the northern side. Access to these halls is provided by two sets of entrances along each wall and a fifth entrance at the northern end. While two minarets once stood at either end of this section, they no longer exist today. The entrance to the prayer hall is highlighted by nine arches, each with a distinct shape. The arches next to the main portal feature niches for mihrabs, while the arches on the sides are topped with lintels shaped like open lunettes. Every arch displays a unique pattern, decorated with carved stone loops and multi-lobed arches. At the center, a large colorful arch surrounds an impressive main doorway, flanked by two smaller arches of similar color on either side, all crowned by a pointed arch that encompasses the three entrances. The prayer hall spans 16 x 63 meters and is arranged into nine aisles supported by 2 arcades. The Mihrab and Minbar are positioned near the entrance in the room’s center, beneath a dome measuring 10 meters in diameter. The mihrab niche is elaborately carved with complex interlaced and arabesque patterns. Natural light enters through four windows located between the squinches and six arched windows surrounding the tall drum. Additionally, several casement windows are set between the projecting buttresses on the mosque’s three outer walls. The dome’s exterior is sheathed with aluminum panels. If you have any questions or need more information about the Kiziltepe or Dunaysir Grand Mosque, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via WhatsApp, and we will reply promptly.