Does the name Karaca Bey Cami ring a bell? It should because we are standing right in front of it. This beautiful mosque stands in Ankara within the Hacettepe University campus. The Karaca Bey Cami is not just a place of worship. It is a testament to Ankara’s rich history.
Let’s delve into the story of the Karaca Bey Cami. Celaleddin Karaca Bey bin Abdullah built this mosque in 1428. He was the son-in-law of Çelebi Sultan Mehmed and the Beylerbey of Anatolia. Sinaneddin Ahmed bin Ebu Bekir el-Müşeymeş designed it.
The Karaca Bey Cami forms a külliye. This complex includes the mosque a tomb a fountain and a bathhouse. The külliye also featured a kitchen stables and a cellar. Today the mosque tomb bathhouse and fountain remain intact.
Interestingly the Karaca Bey Cami is also known as İmaret Camii. This name appears in its vakfiye other written sources inscriptions and among the locals. The mosque reflects early Ottoman architecture. It is one of the oldest known tabhane style buildings.
Imagine this the Karaca Bey Cami suffered damage in an 1892 earthquake. The dome collapsed. Fortunately it was repaired in 1894. It continued to stand until the Republic era. Further restorations occurred in 1938 1947 and 1965. The Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı also renovated it in 1989. A major restoration project took place between 2003 and 2005. This aimed to restore its original form.
Notice the last congregation area. It features five sections. Each section is covered by an oval dome. Turkish triangles connect these domes. The sides of the portico are enclosed by walls. The facade includes a simple arched gate. An Arabic inscription adorns it. Geometric patterns decorate rectangular panels on either side of the gate. The doors themselves showcase exquisite woodwork.
Step inside to admire the interior. Originally the space was divided into two sections. A wide arch separated them. A dome with a bright lantern tops the structure. The mihrab a niche in the qibla wall dates back to the post-earthquake period of 1892. It features a neo-classical style. Excavations revealed that the original mihrab protruded outward in a rectangular shape. The restoration recreated this detail.
The minaret is an exceptional example of its kind. It stands attached to the exterior where the last congregation area meets the west side room. The base is five-sided with two-tiered blind niches. These niches contain geometric tile decorations in various colors. Ankara stone and brick alternate in the walls.
To the northwest of the Karaca Bey Cami lies the tomb of Karaca Bey. He passed away in 1444 possibly during the Battle of Varna. A later inscription documents a repair in 1796-97. The tomb has an octagonal plan covered by a dome. Fifteen windows illuminate the structure. Inside three plaster sarcophagi are present.
Next to the courtyard gate stands a simple Ottoman fountain. It features a pointed arch niche and a water trough. The fountain underwent repairs in 1940. Originally it had a canopy supported by repurposed columns. This was removed during the latest restoration.
The Karaca Bey Hamamı or bathhouse also belonged to the külliye. It provided income for the foundation. Water from Emirdağ was distributed to the bathhouse the almshouse and the fountain. The remaining water served the local community.
The Karaca Bey Cami stands as a symbol of Ankara’s enduring heritage. It connects us to the past. It reminds us of the individuals who shaped this city. Take a moment to appreciate the Karaca Bey Cami’s beauty.