Restoration of Edirne Üç Şerefeli Mosque (1999)

Restoration of the Three-Domed Mosque in Edirne (1999)

Architectural and Historical Significance

Construction Date and Historical Context

The mosque, built by Murad, is a small complex consisting of a clock tower, a madrasa (religious school), a school, a fountain, a water well, and a cemetery.

It is accepted that the mosque was built between 1437 and 1447 by the architects Muslihuddin and Şehâbeddin Usta. The Peykler Madrasa was added to the complex in the second half of the 15th century. Damaged in the 1176-1762 earthquake, the mosque was repaired by Mustafa III in 1763-64. The inscription regarding this repair is located in two oval medallions on the arch of the main entrance, in the portico of the last prayer hall.

The mosque has also recently undergone a major restoration. The mosque, with its nearly square rectangular plan, consists of a rectangular prayer hall (60.41 × 23.90 m) and a porticoed courtyard (60.70 × 35.50 m).

Minarets are placed at the four corners of the porticoed courtyard. The structure, which constitutes the first example of a centrally planned mosque in Ottoman architecture, is extremely important with its ablution fountain and porticoed courtyard.

The four minarets of the Three-Balcony Mosque have different decorative features. The three-balcony minaret, which gives the mosque its name, is located in the northwest of the prayer hall and has a diameter of 6 m, a height of 67.75 m, and a total height of 76 meters including the spire. A first staircase leads to the first and second balconies, a second staircase to the second and third balconies, and a third staircase to only the third balcony.

Architectural Features

The Three-Domed Mosque is considered a turning point in Ottoman architecture:

Plan and Form

The structure is larger in scale than other mosques of its time and has a unique design that combines a central plan with a courtyard area.

The main dome was considered the largest dome in Ottoman architecture at the time of its construction (approximately 24 m in diameter).

The mosque’s plan integrates both the enclosed prayer area and the courtyard arrangement, later inspiring classical Ottoman mosque plans.

Materials

Limestone was predominantly used in its construction, with marble details in the pulpit, mihrab, columns, and entrance elements.

Stonework, colored stone applications, and hand-drawn motifs on plaster are important decorative elements.

The arcades surrounding the courtyard and the fountain within the courtyard are early examples of classical Ottoman mosque complexes.

Minarets

It is a four-minaret structure; the three balconies on the southwest minaret, in particular, gave the structure its name.

The fact that each balcony of this minaret is accessed by separate staircases is an interesting architectural feature.

Historical Development and Repair-Restoration Processes

19th Century Repairs

The mosque suffered serious damage in the 1732 fire.

Subsequently, it was severely damaged in the 1752 earthquake, and the destroyed parts were repaired.

In 1763, a comprehensive restoration was carried out using traditional techniques and materials. During this repair, differences in size and workmanship were observed in the original stone and brick materials.

and 20th Century Restorations

Between 1890 and 1895, restoration was carried out on the interior and exterior architectural details.

Extensive repairs were carried out between 1930 and 1935, revealing original decorations beneath some original hand-drawn ornaments.

In the late 20th century, renovation steps such as fresco/restoration work (e.g., 1999) were also taken.

Missing Elements

The sultan’s private chamber and some ancillary structures of the mosque were removed in the 1930s; these elements no longer exist today.

The Three-Balcony Mosque:

It is considered the most important example of the transitional period in Ottoman mosque architecture.

It introduced architectural innovations with its central dome plan, its arrangement integrated with the courtyard, and its three-balcony minaret.

Having experienced fires, earthquakes, and restoration processes in changing periods over the centuries, it stands today with its historical identity.