Description:
In Edirne, in addition to the most famous historical mosques, often referred to as the Sultan mosques, there are many smaller and less frequently visited buildings that perform religious functions. One of them is Hıdır Ağa Mosque that due to its proximity to the most famous mosque of Edirne is sometimes referred to as the Küçük Selimiye Cami - i.e. Little Selimiye Mosque. However, there is a very little resemblance between these two structures.
The exact date of construction of the Hıdır Ağa Mosque is not known because there is no inscription on the building, but it was supposedly built in the 15th century. Other sources state that the mosque was built in the middle of the 16th century, because of its architectural style. Moreover, there are historical records concerning the existence of Hıdır Ağa neighbourhood, dating back to the year 1569. Therefore, it is frequently assumed that the mosque was erected at the same time. Its eponymous founder - Hıdır Ağa - also erected the baths next to the mosque but they have not been preserved.
It is certainly known that the mosque underwent renovation in 1866, but after 12 years was severely damaged during the Ottoman-Russian War. Further repairs were made at the end of the 19th century and in the 70's of the 20th century. However, it was not until 1993 that it underwent a major renovation, funded by the Directorate General of Foundations (tr. Vakıflar Genel Müdürlüğü) and was opened to the faithful. Another renovation was carried out in 2008.
The building consists of a square prayer room covered with a dome and a portico with three columns supporting the arched ceiling. A single minaret on a circular base with just one balcony stands in the northern corner. The mosque was built of cut stone blocks. There are five window openings arranged in three rows on three facades. The lower row windows are rectangular, and the upper windows have pointed arches. The interior decoration of the mosque consists of a heptagonal mihrab, but there are no original elements from the time of the mosque erection inside.
Getting there:
Hıdır Ağa Mosque stands opposite Selimiye Mosque, across Hatip Street.