Historical Taşkınpaşa Social Complex and Mosque

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Taşkınpaşa Complex was built by Emir Taşkın Pasha, who ruled during the Karamanoğulları and Eretna Principality period in the mid-14th century, and is one of the most magnificent architectural monuments of the Principalities period in Cappadocia. The complex, consisting of a mosque, madrasah, Taşkın Pasha Tomb and Hızır İlyas Mansion, represents the peak of the Seljuk stonemasonry tradition reached at the crown gates. The priceless pulpit of the mosque, made of walnut wood with the kundekari technique, is currently exhibited in the Ankara Ethnography Museum, and its stone altar is exhibited in the Istanbul Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. According to popular narrative, Taşkın Pasha placed great value on science and wisdom, and it was believed that Damsa Valley was protected from disasters for centuries with the prayers of the scholars educated in his madrasah. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features The complex is located in the center of Taşkınpaşa Village of Ürgüp, south of the Damsa Dam lake mirror, at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by poplar trees, orchards and traditional yellow cut stone houses. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees