Hawzah News Agency (Antalya - Turkey) - The Şehzade Korkut Mosque, located in the historic city center of the southern resort city of Antalya, is nearing its long-awaited reopening as restoration work is almost complete. Having been rendered unusable by a devastating fire, the mosque was closed in 1896. The Antalya Regional Directorate of Foundations initiated the restoration project for the mosque three years ago. Thanks to the comprehensive restoration, the mosque is regaining its former charm.

The structure in the historical Kaleiçi quarter, which bears traces of the Seljuk and Ottoman civilizations in Antalya, became a symbol of conquest when the Seljuks conquered Antalya and turned the structure into a mosque. The mosque was repaired when Şehzade (Prince) Korkut, the son of Sultan Bayezid II, was appointed as the sanjak bey of Teke during the Ottoman period. It was named in his honor.

The mosque was closed to worship after being severely damaged in a fire in 1896. Following the completion of the restoration to repair the damages in line with its original structure, the mosque will be reopened to worship on March 5, 2021, the anniversary of the Antalya's conquest by the Seljuks. It will welcome worshippers for the first time in nearly 125 years.

Antalya Regional Director of Foundations Hüseyin Coşar told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the building was turned into a mosque in 1207 as a sign of the sovereignty of Turks over Antalya and as the right of the sword.

Pointing out that Şehzade Korkut endowed the structure as a mosque, Coşar said that the mosque was open to worship until 1896, however, its minaret spire and roof were completely burned down as a result of the fire that broke out in Kaleiçi.