Newsletters
Restoration efforts are progressing at Malatya's historic Haci Yusuf Tas Mosque, a structure originally built with backing from Sultan Abdulhamid II that collapsed in the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, with decorative and calligraphy work now underway inside.
Construction of the mosque began in 1893. After it was destroyed by an earthquake on March 3, 1894, it was rebuilt on the same site with support from Sultan Abdulhamid II, and construction was completed in 1912.
The mosque, part of which was also destroyed in a 2020 earthquake centered in Elazig's Sivrice district and subsequently repaired, was destroyed again in the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, which were described as the disaster of the century.
Following a tender for the Haci Yusuf Tas Mosque project and its restoration, a contract was signed and the site handed over in July 2023.
As part of an initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Foundations to rebuild the mosque, which is considered an ancestral legacy, the project was carried out following recommendations from a dedicated scientific committee.
Because the mosque's dome had collapsed and part of its walls were destroyed, the scientific committee decided to dismantle the remaining walls, reinforce the ground, and rebuild the structure from scratch.
Work commenced after the reconstruction project and its reports were approved by the Sivas Regional Conservation Board. The mosque's original stones were numbered and utilized during the rebuilding process to reconstruct the walls.
To lighten the structure and ensure a more stable roof, the domes were constructed using steel framework. The exterior surfaces of this steel structure were then clad in the building's original stones and finished with a lead covering on top.
Inside, calligraphy work is being redone as part of the decorative program, with the work carried out carefully in consideration of the building's original architectural and artistic features. The Ayat al-Kursi, a verse from the Quran, was inscribed at the center of the main dome, prepared in keeping with the original design.
Underfloor heating has been installed, and flooring work with wood cladding has been completed. Work on the women's prayer section has also reached its final stage.
The mosque is planned to open for worship once surrounding environmental work is completed and carpets are laid.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
2 min read
