The story of Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Paşa Mosque, Merzifon

The largest mosque in Merzifon was the gift of an Ottoman grand vizier: Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Paşa had it built in 1666. Known simply as the Paşa Mosque, it rose in the town centre during the reign of Mehmed IV, the 19th Ottoman sultan. Step back to take in its rectangular body of cut stone, its single minaret and the four smaller domes set at the corners around the main dome.

Inside, the plan holds a surprise: between the piers, the central section becomes a large niche under a half dome, taller than the sides, which gives the hall an unusual shape. The side sections, covered with small domes, open into the main prayer space.

Three rows of windows fill it with light. Owned by the General Directorate of Foundations, the mosque was restored with the support of the Merzifon mufti's office and reopened in early September 2005.