Where past meets present: Kocakoy Great Mosque’s legacy

Located in the Kocakoy district of Diyarbakir, the Kocakoy Great Mosque has maintained its grandeur for approximately 1,375 years, continuing to serve both as a place of worship and an educational center.

The historic mosque in the neighborhood serves as a place of Quranic education for local children. Meanwhile, new details about its past are emerging.

Anthropologist Naci Akdemir has determined that the mosque was built in June 639 C.E., based on research from the eighth-century historian Muhammed El-Vakidi’s work “Futuhu’s-Sam.” This makes the mosque approximately 1,375 years old.

Akdemir stated, “This mosque must have been constructed shortly after the conquest of the region. The original state of the structure dates back to before the restoration carried out in 1355.”

Akdemir also discussed the changes the historic building has undergone over time: “The first restoration of the mosque took place in 1355, during which a ‘Quranic Sciences Cell’ or ‘Quranic Sciences Madrassa’ was added to the mosque. However, during recent major repairs, these additions and some historical sections have been removed. Significant changes were made to the mosque following the 1975 earthquake, and some old structures were demolished.”

Musa Aydin from Elazig, who visited the mosque for the first time, said, “I am very impressed with the mosque. The historical atmosphere and the opportunity to pray here have affected me deeply.”

While preserving its historic texture, the Kocakoy Great Mosque continues to meet contemporary needs with modern restorations. This historic structure remains one of Diyarbakir’s important symbols, with both its religious and cultural heritage intact.