Meydan Mosque in central Tokat was built in 1485 in honor of Sultan Bayezid II's mother, Gülbahar Hatun. It is a notable Ottoman mosque distinguished by its two-tone stone portal and five-domed narthex.
Meydan Mosque stands on the wide square that gives its name to the Meydan neighborhood in Tokat. According to its inscription, it was built in 1485 (890 AH) in honor of Sultan Bayezid II's mother, Gülbahar Hatun; hence it is also known as Hatuniye Mosque or, in some records, Gülbahar Hatun Mosque. The site originally functioned as a complex (külliye) comprising a mosque, a madrasa, and a soup kitchen (imaret), though the madrasa has completely disappeared and the soup kitchen remains in ruins. Today, the surviving main structure is a square-plan, single-domed sanctuary built of ashlar masonry.
The portal (taçkapı) is the building's most striking feature. Constructed with two-toned stone, it features a mukarnas-adorned hood beneath a Bursa arch and a segmental arched doorway below. Medallion-shaped inscriptions sit above the niches on either side of the entrance. Marble is featured in the five-domed narthex (latecomers' porch), while the central dome rests on a dodecahedral (12-sided) drum supported by mukarnas squinches. Two hospice rooms (tabhane) flank the main hall, and a muezzin's loggia reached by stairs is located to the north. The ablution fountain (şadırvan) in front of the mosque was added much later, at the beginning of the 20th century.
Visitors often point out the serene silence inside despite its location right in the heart of the city. Another frequently mentioned highlight in reviews is the scenic view created alongside the clock tower behind the mosque. However, recent visitor feedback indicates that the mosque is currently undergoing restoration and is closed for worship. It is recommended to verify its status prior to visiting.
History and Architecture
The mosque was built in 1485 in honor of Gülbahar Hatun, the mother of Sultan Bayezid II. The foundation charter (vakfiye) preserved at the General Directorate of Foundations dates to 1492. Originally planned as a social complex (külliye) with a mosque, madrasa, and soup kitchen, the madrasa has not survived, and the soup kitchen is in ruins. Built from ashlar stone, the square-plan main prayer hall features a single dome, flanked by square-plan domed hospice rooms (tabhane). The dome sits on a twelve-sided drum with mukarnas transitions.
The Monumental Portal and Details
The most photographed element of the building is the monumental portal (taçkapı) crafted with two-toned stonework. It features a mukarnas hood beneath a Bursa arch and a segmental arched entrance below. Medallion-shaped inscriptions above the niches on both sides of the doorway catch the eye. The five domes and marble column capitals in the narthex are also worth examining closely; the columns feature mukarnas and diamond-cut capitals.
Best Time to Visit
As a compact structure, the mosque can be toured in a brief visit. Those wishing to avoid the summer midday heat may prefer morning hours. The fine stone craftsmanship of the portal stands out more clearly under afternoon light. Current opening conditions may vary due to ongoing restoration, so it is best to verify before heading out.
How to Get There
Meydan Mosque is located in the Gülbaharhatun neighborhood in Tokat city center. It can easily be reached on foot from anywhere nearby in the center. For travelers arriving from the bus station, a short taxi ride or local minibus will quickly drop you off in the center. The clock tower and other historical sites around it are also within walking distance.
Nearby Landmarks
The mosque sits at a central point where Tokat's historical atmosphere is concentrated. The nearby clock tower is a popular backdrop that visitors frequently capture together with the mosque. Other Ottoman and Seljuk structures in the city center, such as madrasas and inns (hans), can easily be added to your walking route as all are a short walk away.
Things to Keep in Mind
Recent visitor reports mention that the mosque is currently closed for worship due to ongoing restoration work. Since this situation may be temporary, it is recommended to get up-to-date information from the Tokat Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism or local sources before going. As an active place of worship, modest dress and mindfulness during prayer times are required when open.
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