Tekke Mosque (Kilis)

Tekke Camisi is a historical place of worship located in the center of Kilis, in the Tekke Mahallesi district of the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Situated near Cumhuriyet Meydanı, this mosque is one of Kilis’s most significant structures to have survived from antiquity to the present day. It was built in 1553 by Canbolad Bey, the governor of the Kilis Sanjak during the Ottoman period.

Tekke Camisi was constructed in the mid-16th century during the Ottoman Empire. Foundation documents clearly state that the mosque was built by Canbolad Bey. Historical sources sometimes refer to it as Canbolad Camisi, Canboladiyye Camisi, or Canboladoğlu Camisi. The name “Tekke Camisi” derives from the presence of a tekke structure nearby.

^{Tekke Camii (}Kilis Valiliği⁾

Tekke Camisi is a square-plan structure. Its interior prayer space is covered by a single large dome. The dome has a diameter of 14.40 meters, making this mosque the one with the largest dome in Kilis. At the front of the mosque is a five-arched rear congregation area.

The main entrance is located on the northern facade. Windows are situated on the eastern and western facades. Above the windows are stained glass panels, ceramic decorations, and stone embellishments. The window frames are made of black and yellow marble.

The mosque’s courtyard is paved with white stone. Within the courtyard stands a stone ablution house and a well with double rings. The minaret is located in the northwestern corner of the mosque and is constructed from black and white cut stone. The lower section of the minaret features ornamental muqarnas.

^{Tekke Camii (}Kilis Valiliği⁾

Tekke Camisi embodies key characteristics of Ottoman mosque architecture. With its large dome, stonework, ceramic decorations, and symmetrical design, it is one of the most important examples reflecting the Ottoman architectural style in Kilis. It has been preserved to the present day as both a religious and cultural heritage.

Tekke Camisi was conceived in conjunction with the adjacent tekke structure. Due to Canbolad Bey’s reverence for Mevlana Celâleddîn-i Rûmî, the mosque was built in front of the tekke. This arrangement demonstrates that the complex served not merely as a place of worship but also as a cultural and spiritual center.

Tekke Camisi has been placed under protection by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The structure is registered in the inventory of cultural heritage. Efforts have been made during various restoration campaigns to preserve the mosque’s original architectural features.