27.03.2026 11:44
After the restoration work carried out at the Muradiye Mosque (2nd Murad) in Bursa, a pool estimated to be 600 years old was uncovered inside the mosque. It was stated that similar pools are also found in the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque, and the 1st Murad Mosque, and that the use of the pools there continues.
During the restoration works carried out in the 2nd Murad Mosque, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Muradiye Complex, the remains of a pool were uncovered.
The mosque, commissioned by Sultan 2nd Murad in 1426, saw restoration works initiated by a private company following the handover made in January by the Bursa Governorship, the Bursa Regional Directorate of Foundations, and the Bursa Restoration and Conservation Regional Laboratory Directorate.
POOL REVEALED
As part of the works that began on January 19, the pool, which is believed to be located in the hall that connects the main space from the main entrance door depicted in Osman Hamdi Bey's painting titled "At the Mosque Door," was excavated.
As a result of the works, a pool structure with an octagonal plan, covered with marble and tiles, which is thought to have been made for decoration, sound insulation, and relaxation purposes, was identified.
"WE BELIEVE IT WAS CONSCIOUSLY COVERED"
Selim Haşlak, the manager responsible for the restoration, stated to AA reporter that they started the works on January 19 and that they clearly revealed the pool inside the mosque before the month of Ramadan.
Haşlak explained that they discovered the structure was octagonal and that the corners were rounded with tile borders, saying, "We believe that this pool was consciously covered during the process."
Haşlak mentioned that research on the details of the pool has been conducted, and reports have been submitted to the Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, stating, "According to their latest assessment, the pool will be restored and rebuilt."
Haşlak provided information that it was understood from the reports presented after examinations by academics from various universities that the structure inside the mosque was a decorative pool, and continued his remarks as follows:
"There are sections called 'tabhane' on the right and left of the mosque. Travelers and dervishes come here, creating a conversation environment. To prevent their conversations from disturbing those praying in the harim (the worship area), a pool was made for sound insulation. Additionally, there are small rooms at the back. These rooms were also made for the rest of those coming from the road. It is thought that this pool was built to ensure that those resting there are not disturbed and can relax. There is also a fountain outside. We believe that this pool was made not for ablution but for decoration, insulation, and relaxation purposes."
"TILES IN DARK AND LIGHT TONES OF TURQUOISE-HEAVY BLUE ARE EMERGING"
-Haşlak noted that marble and tile pieces were seen around the pool, stating, "The pieces that emerged around the pool and the fixed tile pieces on the ground were analyzed, especially the tiles in the harim section of the mosque. It was concluded that they are tiles from the same period. Generally, tiles in dark and light tones of turquoise-heavy blue are emerging."
Haşlak also provided information that restoration works were being carried out on the mosque's drainage line, stating:
"In the excavations conducted in the drainage line, we saw channels under the mosque, running from east to west and north to south. Research on these channels is ongoing. Are these channels ventilation channels, hot water transport channels for heating the mosque, or channels created for placing wooden beams, which have examples in some mosques? This is as important a topic as the pool. Because it is very rare. The emergence of such channels in the foundation part of the mosque and within the body walls... Therefore, we are conducting serious research."
Imam of the 2nd Murad Mosque, Muhammed Lütfi Taşci, expressed his happiness regarding the ongoing restoration as the mosque approaches its 600th year of opening for worship.
Taşci thanked everyone involved, saying, "A 600-year-old pool has emerged here. The original pool built during the reign of Sultan 2nd Murad. We praise Allah. A new page has been opened in our history and the memory of Bursa."