Fırfırlı Mosque (Twelve Apostles Church)
A historic former church and mosque, renowned for its magnificent architecture and beautiful night illumination. Free to visit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beautifully lit for a magical view
Fırfırlı Mosque (Twelve Apostles Church)
Best Time
Beautifully lit for a magical view
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic former church and mosque, renowned for its magnificent architecture and beautiful night illumination. Free to visit.
"The architecture is just amazing, and it's beautifully lit at night."
Check Prayer Times
The mosque may be closed during prayer times. Verify local schedules before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Admire at Night
The Fırfırlı Mosque is stunning when illuminated at night. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Magnificent Exterior Architecture
Admire the impressive stonework and basilica design, especially the upper towers and western facade. It's a stunning example of historical architecture.
Beautiful Night Illumination
The mosque is beautifully lit after dark, creating a magical atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for evening strolls and photography.
The Varak Cross Significance
Historically, this site housed the Varak Cross, a relic brought from the 11th-century Varakavank monastery. Though stolen, its historical importance adds depth to the visit.
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Planning Your Visit
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Understanding Its History
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Prayer Times
The mosque may be closed during prayer times. Verify local schedules before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Admire at Night
The Fırfırlı Mosque is stunning when illuminated at night. :sparkles:
Free Admission
Enjoy the historical beauty without an entry fee. :moneywithwings:
Walkable Location
Conveniently located north of the main area, it's easily accessible on foot. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Prayer Times
The mosque may be closed during prayer times. Verify local schedules before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Admire at Night
The Fırfırlı Mosque is stunning when illuminated at night. :sparkles:
Free Admission
Enjoy the historical beauty without an entry fee. :moneywithwings:
Walkable Location
Conveniently located north of the main area, it's easily accessible on foot. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Fırfırlı Mosque's magnificent exterior architecture and its stunning illumination at night. Its historical significance as a former church and its free admission are also frequently praised. Some visitors have noted issues with it being closed unexpectedly.
"Fırfırlı Mosque or Twelve Apostles(surp arakelots) Church
holy fish lake This historic building on September 12th street, located in the north of the area, is within walking distance and admission is free..I definitely recommend you to visit this historical building, which is constantly open during worship times.
The church of the 12 apostles or the mosque firfirli, located on the same street as the Salahaddin Eyyubi mosque, arouses admiration with its magnificent exterior architecture.the date of the first construction of the structure is unknown.the inscription is missing.it was used as a prison for a while during the republican period.among on local people reason why it is popularly called firfirli is because there was once a windmill at the top of the building.some sources say that this name was given because of some decorations belonging to the building.the main importance of the building is due to the fact that it houses the varak cross.It was brought from the varak(Varakavank ) monastery built in the city of van in the 11th century to the Twelve Apostles monastery in Edessa to host the crucifixion on which Jesus was crucified (1092).but over the next few years, these artifacts were stolen…
the upper towers of the structure, built as a basilica with 3 naves, and the stonework on the western surface are magnificent.the building is built entirely of cut limestones.the middle nave is wider than the others.basalt stone was used in the domes and vaults.The parsonage cells (pastaforion) on both sides of the apse are made protruding from the building.
I will continue to tell you about the historical and cultural artifacts that have remained hidden and unknown in the Mesopotamia region...
greetings to the whole world from Mesopotamia.."
Erhan Yıldırım
"Newly renovated mosque, very beautiful, a church berfore"
Felix Siauw
"Beautifully lit at night. It is worth the trip to see the court."
Valerie Kelly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fırfırlı Mosque (Twelve Apostles Church) is located on September 12th street, north of the main area in Şanlıurfa. It's within walking distance from other key sites like the Salahaddin Eyyubi Mosque, making it easily accessible on foot.
Yes, it's situated on a main street and is a notable landmark. Its proximity to other historical sites means you can easily incorporate it into a walking tour of the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The mosque is generally open during worship times. It's advisable to check local schedules as it can be closed outside of these hours.
No, admission to the Fırfırlı Mosque is free.
Yes, the mosque is beautifully lit at night and is a popular time for visitors to see its illuminated facade.
This historic building was originally the Twelve Apostles Church before being converted into a mosque. It also served as a prison for a period.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The mosque is built in a basilica style with three naves. It features magnificent stonework, particularly on the upper towers and western surface, constructed entirely of cut limestone with basalt stone used for domes and vaults.
Historically, it was known as the Twelve Apostles Church and once housed the significant Varak Cross, brought from the Varakavank monastery. Its name 'Fırfırlı' is believed to derive from a former windmill or decorative elements.
Absolutely! Visitors praise its magnificent exterior architecture and beautiful night illumination. It's a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts. +1
While the exterior architecture is a major draw, the interior also showcases its historical design. It's a renovated mosque that retains its church origins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific child-focused activities, the historical narrative of the site—from church to mosque to even a prison—can be an engaging story to share. The beautiful night illumination also offers a magical experience for younger visitors, though ensuring they are comfortable with evening hours is key.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for opportunities to photograph the upper towers and the western facade, which are highlighted for their magnificent stonework. The contrast between the ancient stone and the modern lighting at night creates dramatic and memorable shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of Fırfırlı Mosque
This structure's history is as layered as its architecture. It's believed to have been constructed in the 11th century, though the exact date of its initial construction is unknown due to missing inscriptions. Beyond its religious use, it also served as a prison during the Republican period. The popular name 'Fırfırlı' is thought to originate from a windmill that once stood atop the building or from specific decorative features.
The mosque's historical importance is further amplified by its past association with the Varak Cross. This significant relic was brought from the Varakavank monastery in Van to the Twelve Apostles monastery in Edessa to be displayed on the crucifixion. Although these artifacts were later stolen, the memory of their presence adds a profound historical dimension to the site.
The Layers of History: From Church to Mosque
Over time, the building transitioned to serve as a mosque, and it has undergone renovations to accommodate its current use. Despite the changes, many of its original architectural elements remain, offering a glimpse into its past. This transformation is a common theme in historical sites across Mesopotamia, where structures have been adapted for different purposes across centuries.
Adding to its complex history, the building also served as a prison for a period during the Republican era. This multi-faceted history makes the Fırfırlı Mosque a compelling site for understanding the region's cultural and religious evolution.
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