Selçuk · Ottoman-era
İsa Bey Mosque
A 14th-century mosque built, quite literally, from the stones of ancient Ephesus.
Key facts
- Location
- Selçuk, below the castle
- Ticket
- Free
- Time needed
- 15–20 min
- Built
- 1375
- Highlight
- Ancient columns reused inside
The İsa Bey Mosque is one of the oldest and most striking mosques in Anatolia — a 14th-century masterpiece built, quite literally, from the stones of ancient Ephesus.
Beauty from spolia
Completed in 1375 for the Aydınid emir İsa Bey, the mosque reused columns and marble taken from the ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis — including granite columns thought to come from the harbour baths. Its asymmetrical façade, carved portal and peaceful courtyard make it a landmark of early Turkish-Islamic architecture.
Visiting
It sits at the foot of Ayasuluk Hill, between the Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of St. John. It's a working mosque and free to enter — dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
On the map
Photos
See Selçuk's landmarks on a tour
A guided day around Ephesus and Selçuk covers the mosque, basilica and temple together.
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