History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The historical Köprülü Mehmed Pasha Mosque is a magnificent monumental complex of classical Ottoman architecture, built in 1661 by the Ottoman Grand Vizier Köprülü Mehmed Pasha in the heart of Safranbolu Historical Bazaar. The biggest historical distinction of the mosque, which was built with a single dome of cut stone, is the historical horizontal Sundial in its courtyard, which was placed on the wall of the muvakkithane at the beginning of the 19th century. This marble clock, one of the rare working sundials in Türkiye, shows prayer times and shadow length perfectly. Local legends say that Köprülü Mehmed Pasha, during his exile in Safranbolu before ascending to the position of grand vizier, made a vow saying, "If one day the seal is given to me, I will erect a temple here that will live as long as the world continues," and that blessings were added to the mortar of the mosque. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in Safranbolu Historical Bazaar, Çeşme District, at an altitude of approximately 460 meters. It crowns the UNESCO World Heritage atmosphere among the surrounding cobblestone streets, historical Yemeniciler Arasta, Cinci Inn and centuries-old plane trees. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the historical mosque and the sundial in the courtyard is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open for worship and visits 7 days a week from morning prayer to night prayer (05:30 - 22:30).•Rules, Security and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: Shoes should be removed at the entrance of the mosque and the sundial should not be touched. Thanks to the flat stone courtyard, it can be easily visited by wheelchair and stroller.•Facilities and Facilities:Marble fountain, ablution room, WC, women's lounge and library are available. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Çeşme Mahallesi, Manifaturacılar Sokak No:2, Safranbolu / Karabük.•Road Conditions and Vehicle Suitability: It is in the center of the Historical Bazaar; Vehicles are left in the parking lot at the entrance of the market and the courtyard can be reached on foot in 2 minutes.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Safranbolu Çarşı minibuses and public buses depart from Karabük center every 10 minutes and drop off passengers at the bazaar square.•Parking Availability:There is a large municipal parking lot at the entrance of the Historical Bazaar. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Points and Frames:The angle where the marble sundial in the courtyard meets the dome and minaret and the kundekari door wings of the mosque should be photographed.•Light and Shooting Hours:When the sun comes at a right angle at noon, the shadow hand of the sundial gives the opportunity to photograph the most obvious time measurement.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:The famous Safranbolu Turkish delight with saffron, zerde with saffron, twisted pita and vineyards soda should be tasted in the bazaar.