This is the Eski Cami or Old Mosque. It started life as a church, the date is set - for architectural reasons - in the nineth or tenth century. Under Ramazanoğlu Ahmet Bey it was converted into a mosque.

The generally very reliable ‘Guide Bleu’ states: ‘When the church was turned into a mosque at the end of the 14th century, it was an Armenian house of prayer, dedicated to Saint Peter (Mar Petros). Its architecture, the stone work of the walls and the quality of the vaults are truly remarkable.’

On the picture: The western part of the church’s nave, and the west entrance, which was the main entrance of the church. Above the arch, a platform has been organised, were women take place if they want to participate in the common prayer. Generrally it is situated on the north side of the prayer hall, but this was not possible here because of the east-west orientation of Christian churches.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: Personal visits to Tarsus (twice, in 1999).