Selçuk - Isa Bey Mosque

On the southwest side of the citadel hill in Selçuk is the Great Mosque (also known as the Isa Bey Mosque or Selim Mosque) which dates from Seljuk times. The tall outer walls, 57m/87ft long by 51m/167ft wide, enclose a large arcaded courtyard with the fountain for ritual ablutions and the prayer hall, the central area of which had two domes borne on columns, while the two side wings had flat timber roofs. The large columns of black granite came from the Roman baths at the harbor. The prayer hall was entered from the courtyard with three arches and two side doorways. Above the main entrance, which is richly decorated with inlay work, is an elaborate calligraphic inscription. Dated January 10th 1375 it identifies Ali, son of Mushimish al-Damishki as the architect of the mosque.