This is the Murat I mosque, the oldest monumental Ottoman building which within its walls incorporated sections that in most külliyes are separate: the mosque and the medrese. It dates from 1365. Nearby is a hamam (bath house) and other elements of a külliye were close. The remains of Murat, who died on the battlefield in 1389 in Serbia was laid to rest in a türbe across the street. The architect was called “Frankish” by historian Celebi, but a guide I have refers to Italian influences, which I perceived myself at an earlier visit.

In December 2006 I passed the mosque and was much annoyed to find they were restoring it. Until one of the workers saw my camera and asked me if I would like to see the restoration in progress. Would I? Yes, of course. I did some wild climbing through semi-dark corridors but in the end found myself on the roof and getting a thorough impression of what the mosque is like. I heartily thank the “usta”, I will send the pictures to his mail address tomorrow. I also hope to see him on other spots, he explained how specialists like him travel from one major mosque to the next.

These are some shots.