Kurtulus Mosque

Kurtuluş Mosque: A Testament to Gaziantep’s Layered History

🕌 The Kurtulus Mosque (Liberation Mosque) is a striking example of how history and architecture intertwine in Gaziantep. Originally built as St. Mary’s Church Cathedral, this grand structure has served multiple roles throughout its existence.

📜 Designed by the Ottoman-Armenian architect of Sultan Abdulhamid II, the church was once a major religious and administrative center for Gaziantep’s Armenian community.

A Church, a Prison, and a Mosque

⛪ Armenian Church of St. Mary (Late 19th Century – 1920s)

• The church was part of a larger complex, including a school and administrative offices, reflecting its importance in Antep’s Armenian community.

🏚️ Abandonment & Repurposing (1920s – 1980s)

• After the deportation of the Armenian population, the church stood empty for a time.
• In the 1920s, the Turkish government repurposed it as a prison, a role it maintained for over 60 years.

🕌 Conversion to a Mosque (1980s – Present)

• In the 1980s, the building was transformed into a mosque, with a minaret added to replace the church bell tower.
• The original bell, crafted in the 19th century in South America, was removed and placed in the Gaziantep Museum for preservation.

🌟 Today, Kurtulus Mosque is an active place of worship, with beautifully restored Islamic decorations blending with the grand Armenian church architecture.

Why Visit Kurtulus Mosque?

✨ Its architecture tells the story of Gaziantep’s multicultural past, blending Armenian Christian and Islamic Ottoman influences.
📸 A unique example of repurposed religious architecture, with remnants of both its church origins and mosque transformation.
🕌 A peaceful and historic place of worship, offering insight into the city’s layered history.

🚀 Visit Kurtuluş Mosque to witness firsthand how Gaziantep’s past and present coexist in a single, magnificent structure.