Neighborhood Mosque Project - A Contemporary Interpretation of Sacred Simplicity

Rooted in the spiritual and philosophical depth of Islamic architecture, this neighborhood mosque redefines what a mosque can be in today’s world. Designed for Southeastern Anatolia, the project blends cultural tradition, modern materials, and climatic sensitivity, offering a serene and community-focused worship space.

A Return to Essence in Mosque Design

Inspired by the saying of Prophet Muhammad, “The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a means of purification…” the design moves away from ornamental repetition and returns to the core idea of masjid - a place of prostration, purity, and reflection.

The rectangular prayer hall prioritizes functionality, allowing worshippers to align shoulder to shoulder, emphasizing unity and infinity. Rather than imposing form, the architecture invites stillness and clarity.

Courtyard as Social and Climatic Heart

At the core of the layout is a courtyard, a reinterpretation of traditional Anatolian planning. It is not only a place for gathering but also an environmental moderator, softened by water elements and natural shading.

Surrounding the courtyard are:

• Ablution spaces
• A Qur’an school
• A tea house

These elements are partially embedded into the sloping terrain, promoting a gentle integration with the land and encouraging continuous use throughout the day.

Sacred Atmosphere Through Light and Water

The worship hall, embedded into the earth along the qibla direction, creates a secluded, monastic ambiance. On the opposite sides, it is lifted from the ground and bordered with inner gardens and reflective water pools.

Light enters in two ways:

• From a radial skylight, casting divine beams.
• Beneath the water wall, creating ambient reflections.

Together, these form a space that encourages deep, personal spiritual experience - free of distraction and ornamentation.

Symbolism and Cultural Continuity

The minaret is conceived as an abstracted cypress tree: a symbol of life, unity, and the human journey toward the divine. In Turkish-Islamic culture, the cypress tree’s form embodies birth, life, and the longing for paradise. The minaret stands in the courtyard as a spiritual beacon rooted in this cultural metaphor.

Material and Façade Simplicity/

The exterior is intentionally unadorned, using local basalt stone. Openings are minimal, supporting thermal comfort while directing focus inward.

A canopy structure connects all the volumes, sheltering the spaces and symbolizing unity. Its upward-folding edge gestures toward the sky, embodying the vertical aspiration of the spiritual journey.

Community Integration and Daily Life

This mosque is designed as a living center - not just a place of prayer, but also a space for:

• Learning
• Socializing
• Spiritual Reflection
• Farewell

The imam’s residence, with a private inner garden, is thoughtfully placed for privacy while maintaining functional proximity. A funeral zone with a morgue and washing area is also integrated, allowing for a dignified experience of life’s final rituals.

A Mosque in Harmony with Land and People

Ultimately, the mosque becomes more than a building: it is a breathing piece of land, shaped by human rituals and rooted in Islamic values of simplicity, humility, and community. Its design merges the spiritual with the social, the traditional with the contemporary.