Restoration of Nasuh Pasha Mosque in Nallıhan, Ankara (2005)

Ankara Nasuhpaşa Mosque Restoration (2005)

Historical and Architectural Features

The Nasuhpaşa Mosque is considered an Ottoman-era structure, and traditional sources indicate a historical past dating back to 1599. Some sources list it among the works thought to have been built by Nasuh Pasha.

This structure has been the subject of several repair and reconstruction works in the 19th or early 20th century, possibly due to wear and tear or damage. In particular, in 1911, under the supervision of a French engineer working on the Ankara-Istanbul road construction, the old mosque was demolished and rebuilt in its current form. This process is considered a historical repair/restoration in the sense of rearranging and strengthening the old structure.

Furthermore, local sources indicate that landscaping and minor repair projects have been carried out on the structure in recent years.

Architectural Features

The architectural character of Nasuhpaşa Mosque is as follows:

Plan and Structure

It is a rectangular structure.

It is built with regularly cut stone walls and covered with a wooden roof; classic Turkish-style tiles are used.

Prayer Space

The ceiling of the interior is covered with a central wooden ceiling.

Pointed arched window openings provide natural light to the prayer area.

The mihrab is surrounded by a simple cornice with stepped, nearly pointed circular arches.

Last Congregation Area

The last congregation area is located on the north side; this section is open and built on square columns connected by arches.

Wood and Stone Workmanship

The gallery is entirely made of wood and rests on four stone columns.

The minbar is made of cut stone, and its railing is made of simple wood.

Minaret and Tomb

The minaret is made of cut stone, its body is twelve-sided, and it is built on a square base.

A simple tomb dating from the 20th century is located in the courtyard.

Restoration and Preservation

The structure largely acquired its present form with the reconstruction in 1911; this can be considered a modern restoration.

Furthermore, the local administration and the Foundations Directorate have undertaken landscaping and preservation efforts. Accordingly, the arrangement of the mosque’s surroundings, ground and landscape repairs have been planned.

A comprehensive restoration was carried out by the General Directorate of Foundations, Ankara Regional Directorate in 2005. This is important in terms of the maintenance and strengthening of the structure. The current fountain was built in the mosque courtyard, and the graves in the cemetery were restored.

General Assessment

Nasuhpaşa Mosque is a small-scale place of worship that reflects the Ottoman stone and wooden mosque tradition both architecturally and historically. The reconstruction process in 1911 and subsequent restoration/landscape works have allowed the preservation of the building’s form and its active use today.