KONYA / Anatolia

The "Khoja Sheikh Muhyiddin" Mosque in the Beyşehir district of Turkey's Konya province stands out as one of the most prominent examples of Seljuk wooden architecture in Anatolia, thanks to its intricate wood carvings that have preserved their beauty for 661 years.

Located in the Bayındır neighborhood, the mosque was built in 1365 and is considered a miniature version of the famous historical Eşrefoğlu Mosque in Konya (central), which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Khoja Sheikh Muhyiddin Mosque bears the artistic beauty of Seljuk architecture through its wooden columns and carved decorations.

The fine artwork extends from column capitals to ceiling decorations, making it one of the most important witnesses to the tradition of wooden architecture in Anatolia.

The mosque is also known for hosting storks that build their nests annually on its roof.

In an interview with Anadolu, history professor Hüseyin Muşmal from the Faculty of Arts at Selçuk University said that the region contains a number of mosques and small prayer halls with wooden columns similar to the historical Eşrefoğlu Mosque.

Muşmal explained that the mosque looks simple and austere from the outside, but upon entering, visitors discover an interior rich in decoration.

He noted that every column, carving, and ornament in the mosque reflects the skill of the craftsmen who left their mark over the centuries, embodying the aesthetic taste of that era.

He described the mosque as one of the rarest and most beautiful architectural examples in the region.