The Great Mosque (Ulu Camii also known as Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Camii) is one of the finest examples of Anatolian architectural history. Commissioned by Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey, mosque’s construction began immediately after the city’s conquest in 1306-1307 and was completed in 1312-1313. The mosque shares the same courtyard with the Mausoleum of Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey. Additionally, several other significant historical structures, such as the Sultan Şah Mausoleum or Hatuniye Mausoleum (Sultan Şah Türbesi or Hatuniye Türbesi), İmam Birgivi Madrasah (İmam Birgivi Medresesi), and the Great Mosque Hammam or also called Çarşı Hammam (Ulu Camii Hamamı or Çarşı Hamamı), are located in its vicinity.
From an architectural perspective, the rectangular plan and decorative elements of the Great Mosque reflect the influences of the Anatolian Seljuk tradition. The minbar of the mosque is one of the finest examples of wooden ornamentation from that period. Furthermore, the mihrab and the minaret feature tile mosaics and glazed brick decorations, adding aesthetic value and showcasing the artistic style of the era. Additionally, the lion statue at the southeastern corner and the spolia materials from the Roman period incorporated into the structure highlight the region’s multilayered history.
As spaces that play a crucial role in social life, mosques serve not only as places of worship but also as centers for communal gatherings and social interaction. In this regard, the Great Mosque, which has fulfilled these functions for centuries, continues to be an essential part of Birgi’s historical and cultural heritage.