10.07.2026 20:50
Hundreds of citizens performed Friday prayers at an open-air mosque surrounded by stone walls, located in the Kadırga Plateau at an altitude of 1800 meters on the Gümüşhane-Trabzon border. The open-air mosque, where it is narrated that Fatih Sultan Mehmet led the first prayer when he conquered the region in 1461 and where the tradition has been kept alive for 565 years, hosted many visitors from surrounding provinces. A magnificent and spiritual atmosphere occurred at the historical prayer area, which also attracted those who became curious after seeing it on social media.
Citizens performed the Friday prayer at the open-air mosque located at an altitude of 1800 meters on the Kadırga Plateau on the Gümüşhane-Trabzon border.
MIGRANTS TO THE PLATEAUS CREATED A CROWD
Local residents migrating from Trabzon, Giresun, and Gümüşhane to the plateaus created a crowd at the Kadırga Plateau Open Mosque, where Fatih Sultan Mehmet is rumored to have prayed.
CAME FROM GIRESUN OUT OF CURIOSITY
Muhammet Akgün, who prayed at the mosque, said he came from Giresun because he was curious about the open-air mosque.
Samet Karataş, stating that he saw the open-air mosque on social media, said, "We knew the mosque was at Kadırga Plateau and prayers were held. We came from Giresun to perform the Friday prayer here. The weather is very nice, and it's crowded."
"THERE IS A MAGNIFICENT VIEW"
Akgün, noting that they performed the Friday prayer with the congregation, said, "There is a magnificent view. May Allah accept our prayer."
PRAYERS HELD FOR 565 YEARS
According to written sources, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who added the region to Ottoman lands in 1461, went to Kadırga Plateau to visit a friend's grave. The area designated by the sultan, who wished to perform the Friday prayer on the plateau, was surrounded with stones to create an open-air mosque, and the first prayer was held there. As part of this tradition maintained by the local population for centuries, the Friday prayer is held at the same site every year on the third Friday of July. The open-air worship area, now surrounded by a low wall and featuring two minarets, continues to welcome visitors.