History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The historical Ermenek Ulu Mosque was built by Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey, the founder of the Karamanoğulları Principality, in 1302 (Hijri 702), and is the oldest and most magnificent monumental mosque of the principality on the Taşeli Plateau. The mosque, built of cut stone and continuing the tradition of Seljuk mosques with wooden pillars; It is one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture with its juniper wood columns, historical wooden door wings made without nails using the kundekari technique, and its muqarnas portal. In local legends, it is said that the juniper pillars of the mosque were carried from the steep peaks of the Taurus Mountains without any means, only with the prayers of the dervishes and the spirit of collaboration, and that its survival for centuries without decay is due to the sacred secret of the juniper tree. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located at an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters in Gülpazar District, Ermenek district center, built on the steep slopes of the Taurus Mountains. Leaning on a steep rocky slope, the mosque has a magnificent view overlooking the Ermenek Valley and Turkuaz Dam Lake like an eagle's nest. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the historical mosque 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 (05:00 - 22:30).•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Historical wooden pillars and kundekari gate should not be damaged. Since it is located on a slope, it has a stepped entrance; Companion support is required for stroller and wheelchair access.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a historical fountain, ablution room, WC, women's lounge and resting benches in the courtyard. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Gülpazar Mahallesi, Ulu Cami Sokak No:2, Ermenek / Karaman.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: Located in Ermenek district center; roads are paved and have steep slopes; It can be reached by all kinds of passenger vehicles.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Ermenek district buses and minibuses departing from Karaman and Konya bus terminals and drop off at the district center; You can reach the mosque by walking 300 meters from here.•Parking Availability:There are free car parking areas in the municipality square near the mosque. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:The interior depth of the mosque with its juniper columns and the panoramic views overlooking the Ermenek Valley and the dam lake from its courtyard should be photographed.•Light and Shooting Times:The beams of light entering through the windows before the noon prayer and the golden sunlight hitting the stone walls in the afternoon create magnificent shots.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:In Ermenek, the famous walnut molasses halva, diprim, batik and Ermenek tahini bun should definitely be tasted.