A thousand-year history lies in Erzurum: The story of Taş Mosque

Built as a church between 976 and 1001 in the Bağbaşı neighborhood of Erzurum's Tortum district and converted into a mosque in the 19th century, the Taş Mosque continues to defy the years. The interior of the structure, created by combining a closed Greek cross with a basilica plan, features reliefs of figures such as lions, bulls, eagles, and griffins. Here is the story of the Taş Mosque...

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A thousand-year history lies in Erzurum: The story of Taş Mosque

Erzurum's historic Taş Mosque, located in the Bağbaşı neighborhood approximately 85 kilometers from the city center, offers visitors the opportunity to spend quality time amidst its surrounding natural beauty.

Built by Bagratid King David III between 976 and 1001, the Church of the Virgin Mary, also known as the Haho Church, was converted into a mosque in the 19th century and took the name "Taş Mosque."

The mosque, which also features reliefs of lions, bulls, eagles, and griffins, leaves visitors in awe. Carefully protected by the people of Bağbaşı, the Taş Mosque is filled to capacity with congregants, especially on Fridays. The mosque also attracts the interest of both domestic and foreign tourists.

Taş Mosque official Ömer Faruk Umut stated that the historic monument still stands today both as a place of religious worship and as a cultural treasure, adding, "It offers visitors a unique experience of history and art here."

The interior of the structure, created by combining a closed Greek cross with a basilica plan, features reliefs of figures such as lions, bulls, eagles, and griffins. Furthermore, the walls of the interior, and especially the apse, were decorated during the period of its construction with frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and portraying Jesus and Mary.

While it can be seen that the area above the apse of the church rises in the shape of a tower, the structure is entered through a round-arched door.

News Source: İHA