Isa Bey Mosque Location and Significance
The Isa Bey Mosque is located near the ancient city of Ephesus, in Selcuk, Turkey. It lies between the Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of St. John, at the base of Ayasuluk Hill. It is a significant example of Seljuk architecture in western Anatolia. If you’re visiting Ephesus, you can easily reach Isa Bey Mosque as it’s only about 3 km (1.8 miles) from the ancient ruins and within walking distance from Selcuk town center.
Table of contents
- Isa Bey Mosque Location and Significance
- Construction and Historical Background
- Entering the Mosque
- Architectural Features
- History of the Mosque and Architectural Significance
- Isa Bey Mosque Reopened in 2025 After Restoration
- Isa Bey Mosque Visiting Hours and Admission
- Isa Bey Mosque in Ephesus Video by Best Ephesus Tours
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Construction and Historical Background
When you look to the west over Ayasuluk hill, you face the view of Isa Bey Mosque. The mosque was erected in 1375 by Isa Bey, the son of Mehmet Bey from the Aydinogullari dynasty, a dynasty of the Seljuks. One-third of the structure is the covered part of the mosque, and two-thirds of it is the courtyard, all of which were built on a plot 57 m. long by 51 m. wide.
Entering the Mosque
You can enter the inner courtyard, the cupola of which was destroyed, through the western gate. You can enter the real mosque building through a portal with three arches. (The Mosque is also optionally a part of tours of Best Ephesus Tours).
Architectural Features
Two of the cupolas on the black granite pillars and arches are ornamented with milk-white and dark blue porcelain tiles. As in all the other structures of this kind in the area, the material used in this building was brought from Ephesus. The granite columns and their capitals were transported from the Harbour Baths. One of the minarets still stands.
The Facade of the Mosque
The Mosque, which was built by the son of Mushmish from Damascus, is one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. The actual facade is the side where the minaret stands. The windows and the door are embellished with rich ornamentation. In the earlier building, wooden arches were upholding the two sides of the domes.
History of the Mosque and Architectural Significance
Turks captured the region surrounding Ephesus around the 1300s and founded a beylicate in the extremity, called Aydinogullari Beylicate. The mosque was constructed by Isa Bey, one of these beys, on the feet of Ayasuluk hill in 1375. It is the first type of mosque in Anatolia known to have a courtyard and “transcept” (the sections located on the sides with respect to the altar on the plan, showing the side of the altar wider).
The stalactites with designs in Rumi style and other stone carved Seljuk style decorations with geometric designs on the monumental gate and the windows are very beautiful. The tiled-mosaic decorations embellishing the interior of the Southern dome are also very interesting.
Columns and headings used in the building were brought from the Ephesus ruins. Today a ruin of a bath is visible next to Isa Bey Mosque.
Isa Bey Mosque Reopened in 2025 After Restoration
The 650-year-old Isa Bey Mosque was reopened to visitors on January 28, 2025, following a two-year restoration process conducted in accordance with its original structure. Just in time for Ramadan, the mosque was reopened with Friday prayers.
Isa Bey Mosque Visiting Hours and Admission
Isa Bey Mosque is open to visitors every day from 09:30 to 20:00, including weekends. However, visiting hours may vary depending on prayer times. For a more comfortable experience, it is recommended to visit outside of prayer hours. Admission to Isa Bey Mosque is free of charge.
Isa Bey Mosque in Ephesus Video by Best Ephesus Tours
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