History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Historical Balıklı Mosque, Anatolian Seljuk Sultan II. It was built by the conqueror of Kütahya and Seljuk Emir İmadüddin Hezar Dinari in 1237 (Hijri 634) during the reign of Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev, and it is one of the oldest and most legendary mosques of the city. It is believed that the carp fish swimming in the historical stone pool in the courtyard of the mosque are sacred, that they disappear during war times, join the war with the veterans, and return with scars on their backs. Numerous folk tales are told that these fish can never be eaten or touched. The structure was later repaired during the Germiyanoğulları and Ottoman periods and has survived to the present day. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in the historical city center of Kütahya, at an altitude of approximately 940 meters above sea level, in the very center of the old neighborhood fabric. In its courtyard, there are healing and cold water springs boiling underground and centuries-old grand plane trees. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Worship and visit are completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 7 days a week, from the morning adhan until after the night prayer (between 05:00 - 22:30).•Rules, Security and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: The mosque courtyard has a flat-footed marble coating and is suitable for disabled and baby stroller access. It is strictly forbidden to throw bread and inappropriate food to the fish in the pond. Worship etiquette must be observed.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a historical fish fountain, ablution facilities, men's and women's WCs, courtyard rest benches. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Balıklı Mahallesi, Balıklı Caddesi, No:55, 43100 Merkez/Kütahya.•Road Conditions and Vehicle Availability: It is in the historical center, only 400 meters from Zafer Square and the foothills of Kütahya Castle; All roads are asphalt and keystone.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): All public buses and minibuses in the city center pass from the stop at the beginning of Balıklı Street. It can be reached within a 5-minute walk from the square.•Parking Availability:There is parking space in the streets around the mosque and in the Balıklı multi-storey car park. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: Fatihas should be recited for the soul of the Seljuk Emir Hezar Dinari, and a two-rakat tahiyyetu'l-mesjid prayer should be performed in the historical mosque.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:The historical marble columned pool and the fish in it can be photographed in a dignified style; The congregation praying should not be disturbed.•Important Commemoration Days:On Fridays and Kandil nights, the historical complex is flooded with heavy congregations.•Local Spiritual Tradition:After the Friday prayer, local people drink water from the historical fountains by the pool for healing purposes and rock candy is distributed to the congregation.