RECONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION OF HATAY İHSANİYE MOSQUE
İhsaniye Mosque is located in the central district of Hatay Province, on parcel no. 635, block 4. According to four inscriptions found in the mosque, the structure was originally built in 1806 (Hijri 1221) by Civelekzade Hacı Ebubekir Ağa. The mosque stands approximately 50 meters east of the Asi River, right in the heart of today’s Antakya bazaar.
As stated in its foundation charter (vakfiye), during its initial construction, the İhsaniye Mosque was surrounded by shops, a fountain, and a madrasa. After Hacı Ebubekir Ağa, those who took charge of the mosque’s endowment (vakıf) held the title of Ağa, leading the structure to become commonly known as “Ağalar Mosque.”
Following the devastating 1878 earthquake in Antakya, the mosque and madrasa were destroyed. Restoration of the mosque was undertaken by Hacı Mustafa Fehmi Civelek. In recognition of his contributions, the Ottoman Empire awarded him the Order of the Medjidie, Third Class, on April 21, 1891 (15 Ramadan 1308 Hijri).
Situated on a triangular plot within the historic Antakya bazaar, İhsaniye Mosque alongside the surrounding shops was one of the key structures of the marketplace. The mosque featured a single dome and a simple floor plan.
İhsaniye Mosque was completely destroyed during the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023.
As ALBA İNŞAAT, our reconstruction and restoration efforts initiated in 2024 are currently ongoing.