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The 126-year-old Esederesi Mosque, located in Pasakoy, Kastamonu, continues to stand as a striking example of traditional wooden architecture, distinguished by its nail-free construction and intricate craftsmanship.
Construction of the mosque began in 1880. Following the death of the master builder during the project, the structure was completed in 1899 by his son. The mosque was built entirely from wood using an interlocking notch-and-groove system at its corners, allowing the structure to be erected without the use of nails.
Situated at the center of Pasakoy’s seven neighborhoods, the Esederesi Mosque served for many years as the primary place of worship for the village. Although additional mosques were later constructed in surrounding neighborhoods — resulting in fewer congregants during daily prayers due to distance — the historic mosque remains open and continues to host Friday and holiday prayers.
Village Headman Oguzhan Şenel stated that residents are striving to preserve the structure despite limited resources.
“Our mosque is wooden and nail-free. As villagers, we are making every effort to keep it alive,” Senel said. “We especially come here for Friday prayers so that it is not left unattended. In previous years, we repaired the roof with our own means, but it now requires maintenance once again.”
Villager Yunus Coban noted that the mosque has been in continuous use for more than a century, adding that the community collectively renewed the roof and tiles to support its preservation.
Eighty-year-old resident Ahmet Eker highlighted the structure’s craftsmanship, recalling that the mosque once served as a central gathering place for neighboring villages. Another resident, 85-year-old Recep Gokgoz, stated that they remain committed to protecting the building from deterioration and expressed hope for a more comprehensive restoration in the future.
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