500-Year-Old Mosque’s Wall Paintings Made with Egg White

In Tuğlacık Village of Yağlıdere district in Giresun, the Hacı Abdullah Mosque, standing as if a time capsule, fascinates visitors with its 500-year history. What sets this mosque apart is the captivating paintings adorning its walls, preserving their original vibrancy for centuries. These unique artworks, created using natural dyes and egg white, leave onlookers in awe.

A Mosque That Enchanted with Its Historical Fabric

It is believed that the mosque was built by Hacı Abdullah Halife, who served as a mentor to Yavuz Sultan Selim during his time as the governor of Trabzon. Although its minaret and some sections have been renovated over the centuries, the mosque has managed to preserve its original texture. The interior walls of the mosque feature paintings of celestial fruits, the Tuğba Tree, date palms, the eight gates of paradise, and the Kaaba. These depictions offer visitors a visual feast.

Journey to the Past with Historical Documents

Mosque imam Murat Çakır emphasizes that the mosque is a significant historical artifact that must be preserved. Çakır states, “Hacı Abdullah Halife mentored Yavuz Sultan Selim and later came to this village to spread Islam.” In addition to the mosque, historical documents exhibited in the village attract the attention of visitors. Firmans sent by Yavuz Sultan Selim and Kanuni Sultan Süleyman enrich this historical atmosphere.

Visitor Surge During Ramadan

Village headman Ömer Şen mentions that the mosque attracts a steady flow of visitors throughout the year, but this interest peaks during Ramadan. “The mosque of Hacı Abdullah Halife, considered one of the Anatolian saints, receives particularly high interest during Ramadan,” he says.

Cover Photo: IHA