Isabey Mosque, Selçuk
View of Isabey Mosque from above. Photo © Nick Leonard.
View from the other side, with citadel. Photo
khoogheem.
Courtyard, with columns from ancient Ephesus. Photo © Nick Leonard.
Closer look at the mosque's fine decorations. Photo
dachalan. 
Geometric designs and calligraphy. Photo © Dick Osseman.
Location map and aerial view of the Isabey Mosque. For a larger view
see our Ephesus Map or get our free Google Earth download.
The Isabey Mosque in Selçuk (near Ephesus) is a beautiful example of Seljuk Turkish architecture in an atmospheric location. It is the oldest known example of a Turkish mosque with a courtyard.
History
The Isabey Mosque was built in 1375 at the direction of the Emir of Aydin. Columns and stones from the ruins of the city of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis were incorporated into the building. The mosque was restored in 1934.
What to See
The mosque is located just beneath the citadel in Selçuk near the Basilica of St. John. It measures 51m (153 feet) by 57m (171 feet) including a large courtyard.
The mosque itself consists of two lateral aisles covered with two domes in the center. The surviving brick minaret on the north side has an octagonal base. The west facade is covered in marble, carved with beautiful geometric designs and calligraphy inscriptions.
Inside are a mihrab and pulpit, both made of marble, and painted turquoise tiles in the domes. The columns of the interior are Classical, from the local ruins.
Quick Facts
| Type of site: | Mosque |
| Dates: | 1375 |
| Architecture: | Seljuk |
| Status: | Ruins |
| Location: | Selçuk, just outside of Ephesus, next to the Temple of Artemis ruins. Turn right outside the Basilica of St. John's entrance |
| Hours: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
Travel Resources
- Ephesus Map - our detailed interactive map plus links to more
- Ephesus Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and day trips
- Kusadasi Hostels - search and book budget lodgings in nearby Kusadasi
- Kusadasi Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews from fellow travelers
- Car Rentals (from Kusadasi) - explore Turkey with your own car
- Ephesus Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Ephesus tourism
Article Sources
- Frommer's Turkey, 3rd ed.
- Isabey Mosque - Kusadasi.com
- Isa Bey Mosque - Ephesus.us
