Kesik Minare, Antalya

The Broken Minaret Mosque, also known as Kesik Minare Cami or Cumanın Cami, is situated in the streets of Kaleiçi (Old Antalya) in the southern region of Turkey. Its origins trace back to the 2nd century AD when it was initially constructed as a Roman temple. Later, in the 7th century, it underwent conversion into a Byzantine church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Unfortunately, it endured substantial damage during the Arab invasions of the same century. However, it was restored in the 9th century.

During the early 13th century, as the Sultanate of Rum gained control over Antalya, the church was transformed into a mosque, and a minaret was added. However, in 1361, when the crusader king of Cyprus captured Antalya from the Seljuks, the structure was once again consecrated as a church. This status was short-lived, as it reverted to a mosque during the rule of Şehzade Korkut, the son of Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II.

Tragically, the primary building was destroyed in a fire in 1800. Despite this devastation, the surviving minaret, known today as the Kesik Minare, remains standing on Kaleiçi Hespçi Street.

In 2018, restoration efforts commenced, and in 2019, the top cone and roof of the mosque were restored. On March 5, 2021, the structure was officially reopened as a mosque, coinciding with the day Antalya was conquered by the Seljuk Empire. This marked the first time in nearly 125 years that worshippers were able to gather within its walls once again.