MOSQUES

In the city of Kirklareli, the oldest mosque is the Hizirbey Mosque, built in 1383. The mosque complex includes a bazaar.

Uzungol

The Sokollu Mosque in Luleburgaz, on the Edirne - Istanbul road, is an exquisite work of the famous architect Sinan that dates from 1570.

The neighboring town of Babaeski boasts a Sinan building in the Cedid Ali Pasa Mosque.

One of the most beautiful sites to see in Kastamonu is the Mahmut Bey Mosque.

Interior of Mahmut Bey Mosque, Kastamonu

Inland, between Ankara and Istanbul, is Bolu, an important provincial center with an impressive 14th - century Ulu Mosque.

During a visit to Safranbolu, one can visit the Izzet Pasa Mosque and library (18th Century), and the Koprulu Mosque which dates from 17th century. Also worth-seeing are the Dagdelen Mosque (18th Century) and Kacak Lutfiye Mosque (19th Century).

On a rocky promontory rise the ramparts of a Byzantine citadel, inside of which is an old church, now the Fatih Mosque,.

Kastamonu hosts beautiful 13th century Atabey Mosque and the 14th century Ibni Neccar Mosque.

Turning Island, the road takes you to Bafra, a town famous for its tobacco, caviar and thermal springs hosts 15th century Mosque - Medrese complex.

The 14th century Pazar Mosque and the 19th century Buyuk Mosque reflect two different Turkish architectural styles and are interesting to compare.

Carsamba is the location of the beautiful wooden Gokceli Mosque, built in 1176 without using any metal nails.

In Trabzon, several churches were converted to mosques, two becoming the Fatih Mosque and the Yeni Cuma Mosque. The Ottoman Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, a typical provincial style building, is set in a lovely tea garden.

Bayburt hosts a beautiful 18th century monument, called Ulu Mosque which decorates the center of the city.

If you decide to take a tour of Black Sea and you get to stop in Rize, be sure to see the typical regional architecture in 16th Century Islam Pasha Mosque.