A Contemporary Mosque Design Rooted in Place, Culture, and Spirituality
Designed as a comprehensive place of worship, this mosque project merges spiritual symbolism, cultural heritage, and site-specific architectural strategies. More than a religious structure, the mosque acts as a social, educational, and communal hub, drawing inspiration from the Islamic tradition, local urban fabric, and environmental conditions of southeastern Turkey.
Spiritual Journey through Spatial Design
Central to the project is the concept of spiritual purification through architectural transitions. Worshippers move from the worldly realm - represented by an open courtyard - into the sacred interior via a symbolic water element. This element not only cools the outdoor space but also serves as a threshold, separating the secular from the sacred. The prayer hall, enclosed within a second shell, is aligned precisely with the Qibla direction, reinforcing a direct and uninterrupted focus toward the divine.
The mosque's design draws on the essence of Islamic worship, where believers strip away worldly concerns and turn inward. The quote from Surah Hajj "O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good – that you may succeed." is not only a spiritual directive but an architectural inspiration, guiding the flow and atmosphere of the space.
A Mosque That Gathers, Connects, and Serves
The word “cami”, meaning “gathering place,” is fully embodied in the spatial organization. The mosque serves not only as a religious sanctuary but also as a community center that offers spaces for education, charity, and socialization.
Around the main courtyard, traditional mosque functions such as ablution facilities, shadirvan, prayer stones, and a funeral prayer area are placed. Complementary amenities like a coffeehouse, library, bookstore, and children’s playroom support social interaction, while maintaining reverence and accessibility.
On upper levels, cultural spaces including a multipurpose hall, exhibition rooms, and workshops extend the mosque’s influence beyond prayer, inviting artistic expression and public engagement. The library, spanning two levels, provides a quiet yet connected learning environment, overlooking the life-filled courtyard.
Urban Integration and Site Responsiveness
Located at a city’s high point, the mosque complex becomes a spiritual and visual landmark, integrating harmoniously with surrounding parks, plazas, and commercial zones. The project adopts a linear site layout, continuing urban street traces and using narrow, shaded alleys inspired by the local typology to promote urban continuity.
The architecture reflects an intimate understanding of “learning from the place.” Local traditions - such as terraced forms, arcades, and transitional shaded zones - guide the spatial logic. The basalt stone façade, a regional material, affirms the mosque’s rootedness while enhancing thermal performance and durability.
Innovative but Respectful Worship Space
In the main prayer hall, a rectangular plan allows for efficient alignment of worshippers and includes a women’s section on the same level - a subtle yet significant step toward inclusivity. The ceiling references the dome archetype, not structurally required, but symbolically preserved through geometric abstraction.
Natural light enters through carefully controlled clerestory openings, enhancing the sense of infinity and serenity. The water feature at the floor level further enhances this spiritual atmosphere, encouraging introspection and humility.
Supportive Community Functions
Faith in Islam is not limited to ritual worship - it extends to compassion and service. The complex includes a soup kitchen, guesthouse, charity association, and hammam, addressing both the physical and emotional needs of the community. These functions reflect the prophetic teaching: Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.
The Qur’an school is conveniently located near the mosque on an education street, shaded and accessible for students. The commercial street, which connects to the larger urban fabric, integrates shops while supporting the mosque’s economic sustainability.
Circulation and Connectivity
The layout uses open circulation systems with terraces and bridges connecting first-floor functions, creating a fluid movement between spiritual, social, and cultural areas. Private functions like residences, guesthouses, and the hammam are strategically placed for privacy while maintaining accessibility to key facilities.
A shaded gathering area called the “last congregation space” is located between the main hall and exterior walls, preserving a transitional space that is both spiritual and climatic in purpose.
Façade Articulation and Symbolism
The façade design is characterized by recessed arcades, shaded colonnades, and symbolic motifs. Decorative patterns reference the cypress tree, a cultural emblem of life, death, eternity, and unity. These patterns function not only symbolically but also environmentally, allowing filtered daylight and promoting passive cooling. Some stone blocks, serving as sun breakers while enriching the visual texture.
