Yilanli Mosque & Complex The Yılanlı Mosque, a historic edifice situated in Kastamonu, was constructed in 1273 during the concluding years of the Anatolian Seljuk State. For centuries, this mosque complex has been a significant part of the Turkish-Islamic civilization in Kastamonu. In the Ottoman period, the structure was referred to as "Darü'ş-Şifa" and served as both a medical school and a hospital, where future doctors received their education. Darü'ş Şifa was founded by Ali, son of Süleyman (Ali’s grandfather), who governed under the Pervaneoğulları principality. The building’s architect was Küherbaş. Unfortunately, in 1837, a fire caused significant damage, destroying much of the structure except for the entrance door, which still bears visible signs of the blaze today. Within the tomb, there are 25 sarcophagi, including the metal coffin of Abdülfettah-ı Veli, the grandson of Abdulkadir Geylani, a prominent Islamic figure. This casket is situated on the eastern side of the Yılanlı Mosque, with its entrance located inside the mosque itself. Most of the other coffins belong to Abdülfettah-ı Veli’s descendants, with the exception of two. Tragically, the Darü'ş Şifa was partially devastated by a fire in 1837, which consumed the majority of the building. Nonetheless, the entrance door survived and still shows the fire’s marks today. Constructed concurrently with Darüş-Şifa, the mosque was also rebuilt following the fire. The complex includes two fountains adorned with plant-themed decorations, believed to have been built at the same time as the other parts of the complex. These fountains were renovated in 2006 by the General Directorate of Foundations. One of the original Seljuk era structures that remains intact is the Crown Gate, which preserves its authentic dimensions—measuring four meters in height and two and a half meters in width. The gate’s belt pediment bears a Quranic inscription: “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. We have sent down the Qur'an as a healing and mercy for the believers." Additionally, the Prophet (SAW) is quoted saying, "O servants of Allah! Seek treatment, for Allah has created a remedy for every illness." Given that the Yılanlı Complex primarily functioned as a medical faculty, the inscription on the Crown Gate is especially meaningful, emphasizing that while God has provided the cure for all ailments, it is incumbent upon people to search for and discover the medicine. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Yılanlı Mosque & Complex, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via WhatsApp, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.