Completion of Restoration at Divriği Grand Mosque and Hospital
Restoration work on the Divriği Grand Mosque and Hospital in Sivas has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of this 800-year-old historical site. Described as the “Alhambra of Anatolia”, the mosque and hospital will be officially opened on Monday, May 6th, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan connecting via video conference.
Sivas Governor Yılmaz Şimşek oversaw the restoration process and expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the meticulous and comprehensive restoration works. The project, which began in 2015, included roof replacement, laser cleaning, injection system, and strengthening work. Additionally, 190 buildings surrounding the mosque were expropriated, and landscaping was carried out to enhance the overall ambiance of the area.
The Divriği Grand Mosque, built in 1228 during the Mengücekoğulları period, covers an area of 1280 square meters. The hospital, built by Melike Turan Melek in the same year, occupies 768 square meters. Both structures are considered important landmarks for faith and history tourism, attracting visitors with their architectural style.
European scientists have compared the Divriği Grand Mosque and Hospital to the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, highlighting its significance in Islamic architecture. The intricate decorations on the Darüşşifa crown gate, the north and west crown gates of the mosque, and the Shah Mahfili crown gate add to the overall appeal of the site.
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