Three Serefeli Mosque

Between 1433-1447. The mosque built by Murat II is among the early and classical period styles of Ottoman Art. A plan applied here for the first time is encountered. The 24 m. diameter large central dome rests on six pillars, two of which are pillars and four of which are wall pillars. There are square sections covered with two smaller domes on each side. As an innovation, the building is a transversely rectangular structure. Thus, it was aimed to reach the transversely developing space. Mimar Sinan applied this plan in a more developed form in Istanbul mosques. In addition, the courtyard with portico was used in this mosque for the first time in Ottoman architecture. Minarets were placed at the four corners of the courtyard. With these features, Üç Şerefeli Mosque is a monumental structure that pioneered later mosques. The original pencil works on the portico domes are among the oldest examples in Ottoman mosques. The monumental minaret with three balconies, which gives its name to the mosque, is 67.62 m. high. It is interesting that each balcony is reached by separate paths. The minaret is animated by red stone zigzags and white squares.