Türkiye’s Alhambra in Sivas restored to glory

Sivas Regional Directorate of Foundations announced the creation of a foundation dedicated to preserving Türkiye’s very own Alhambra, Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital.

This UNESCO World Heritage site, Türkiye’s first protected monument, completed a comprehensive nine-year restoration in May 2024. The foundation aims to safeguard this architectural marvel for future generations.

Establishing foundation to preserve Divrigi Great Mosque

Cemal Karaca, the Sivas regional director, highlighted the establishment of a dedicated foundation to ensure the long-term preservation and functionality of the complex.

“This foundation will involve key local leaders and business figures to address ongoing needs and provide rapid responses to any issues,” he said.

The restoration, which began in 2015, was overseen by experts, including Scientific Committee Members and the Building Inspection Organization.

Their work concluded with the mosque and hospital reopening for worship and visits. This project not only restored the physical structure but also reinforced its historical and cultural significance.

Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital’s historical significance

Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital, built in 1228 under the patronage of Ahmet Sah and his wife Melike Turan Hanim, represent a pinnacle of Islamic architecture in Anatolia.

The complex includes a mosque and a hospital, both adorned with intricate stone carvings and unique geometric patterns. These features have earned the site the nickname “Türkiye’s Alhambra.”

One of the most remarkable outcomes of the restoration was the reactivation of the “Balance Column,” a unique architectural element that had stopped functioning after the 1939 Erzincan earthquake.

This column, which had remained stationary for 85 years, resumed its oscillations following structural enhancements, demonstrating the building’s improved stability.

Historical mosque’s continuing legacy in Türkiye

Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital extends beyond its architectural splendor. It serves as an example of the artistic and scientific achievements of the Seljuk period.

The mosque’s prayer hall, with its intricately carved stone vaults and piers, and the adjoining hospital’s domed atrium, reflect a high level of craftsmanship and engineering.

With the restoration complete, the establishment of the foundation marks a new chapter for Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital.

This initiative ensures that the monument will continue to be a source of cultural pride and historical education for future generations, preserving its status as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

All you need to know about Sivas’ Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital

The Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital complex, located in Sivas Province, central eastern Türkiye, is a remarkable example of Seljuk architecture. The mosque features a hypostyle hall with five naves, each roofed with elaborately carved stone vaults.

The adjoining hospital, designed by architect Hurrem Sah and commissioned by Turan Melek, includes a double-height atrium and a central pool, enhancing its functional and aesthetic appeal.

UNESCO recognized the site for its “Outstanding Universal Value” due to its unique artistic and architectural significance. The monument’s intricate stone carvings, particularly on the three monumental portals, and the sophisticated vault construction are unparalleled in the Islamic world.

Despite challenges posed by atmospheric conditions and surrounding development, the site retains its integrity and authenticity, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts.

The future of Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital looks promising, with continued support from local and international stakeholders ensuring that this architectural gem remains a vibrant part of Türkiye’s cultural heritage.