Derviş Ağa Madrasah
An important part of Birgi’s rich historical fabric, the madrasah was commissioned by Derviş Ağa in the 17th century, as indicated by the inscription located in its courtyard, which has survived to the present day. Derviş Ağa, the son of el-Hac Ali Efendi, was from the Sarıbey neighborhood of Birgi. He was known as a […]
Sultan Şah Mausoleum or Hatuniye Mausoleum
Located in Birgi, the Sultan Şah Mausoleum, also known as the Hatuniye Mausoleum, dates back to the period of the Aydinid Principality. According to the inscription above the surviving entrance gate, this mausoleum was built in the 14th century in honor of Aydın Kızı Hatuniye (Sultan Şah Hatun), who is believed to be the daughter […]
Great Mosque (Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Mosque)
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. […]
Şeyh Muhiddin Hammam
A significant element of Birgi’s historical fabric, the Şeyh Muhiddin Hammam, also known as Çukur Hammam, stands out as a remarkable example of Ottoman-era architecture. The hammam is referred to by two names. The first one is in reference to Şeyh Muhiddin, an important religious and Sufi sheikh figure of Birgi. The other one, ‘Çukur’ […]
Çakır Ağa Mansion
Çakır Ağa Mansion was built in the 19th century by Şerif Ali Ağa, a member of a prominent family whose roots trace back to the Aydinid Dynasty. Şerif Ali Ağa, one of the leading leather merchants of his time, was particularly influenced by the grand structures of İstanbul and İzmir during his business travels. He […]
Birgi Civil Architecture
Birgi is an ancient settlement located at the foothills of the Boz Mountains. With a history dating back to antiquity, the city holds a significant place in Turkish history as the capital of the Aydinid Principality. Houses are typically two or three stories high, built with stone and wood, featuring an open-hall plan in Birgi’s […]
The History of Birgi
Birgi is an ancient settlement located in the Ödemiş district of İzmir, at the foothills of the Boz Mountains (Boz Dağlar). Its history dates back to antiquity, and it boasts a rich cultural heritage. During the Byzantine period, it became a bishopric center and was referred to as “Pyrgion.” This name, meaning “small tower” or […]