Forgotten mosque in Türkiye’s Kemah Castle rebuilt after eight centuries
The Bey Mosque, whose remains were uncovered during excavations at the castle in Kemah, Erzincan, Türkiye, has been restored, April 8, 2025. (AA Photo)
A remarkable chapter of Türkiye’s deep-rooted Islamic heritage has been revived in Erzincan’s Kemah district, where the Bey Mosque—estimated to be over 800 years old—has been reconstructed on its original site atop the historic Kemah Castle.
The original structure, thought to date back to the era of the Mengucekids, one of the earliest Turkish principalities in Anatolia, was rediscovered during archaeological excavations led by Ataturk University’s Department of Art History in 2010.
Reconstruction of the mosque began in 2021, following a meticulous restoration plan grounded in historical records. With a total cost of ₺2.7 million ($71.1K), the project was spearheaded by the Kemah District Governorate and supported by the North East Anatolia Development Agency, local philanthropists, and Kemah Municipality.
Call to prayer heard once again from the castle
The newly completed mosque has now officially opened for worship, and during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, the ezan (call to prayer) echoed across the ancient castle for the first time in centuries. A permanent imam is expected to be appointed soon.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Kemah Mayor Cevdet Bayram expressed his emotional response to hearing the ezan again from the historic site.
“It is a feeling beyond words. To hear the call to prayer from this 800-year-old mosque, reconstructed in line with historical documentation, is simply magnificent,” said Bayram.
He emphasized the importance of the mosque and the castle in contributing to local tourism, calling it “a major cultural gain” for the district.
Castle and mosque to boost tourism in eastern Anatolia
Mayor Bayram highlighted Kemah’s historical richness, stating that the region has been home to many significant structures since the 11th century. He noted that famed Ottoman traveler and explorer Evliya Celebi had mentioned the Bey Mosque in his “Seyahatname”, referring to an old neighborhood and mosque once situated within the castle.
“What Evliya Celebi wrote has now become reality. The mosque and its surrounding neighborhood have reappeared through excavation and reconstruction,” he added.
Bayram hopes that the archaeological work will continue and that the entirety of Kemah Castle can eventually be restored and introduced to both domestic and international tourism.
A hidden gem waiting to be discovered
Despite its deep history, Kemah remains under the radar for most travelers. The mayor believes this is set to change.
“Kemah is one of the most historically rich districts in Erzincan. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been widely promoted. Once the remaining restoration work is complete, I believe a significant number of visitors will come,” he said.
