Ay-Yıldız Mosque, Sivas (Star and Crescent Mosque)

The architectural design of the Ay-Yıldız Mosque (Also known as Yukarı Tekke Ay Yıldız Mosque) is inspired by the crescent moon and star found on the Turkish flag, a prominent national symbol of Turkey. This unique moon-and-star design marks the first of its kind in the country. The mosque is intended to serve multiple purposes. One of its primary roles will be to host all funeral prayers in Sivas, centralizing this important religious function. Additionally, the mosque is expected to help reduce traffic congestion in the city, particularly during noon and afternoon prayer times, by easing the flow of people across different areas. The interior decorations and artistic details of the mosque were crafted entirely by women who received training at the Sivas Özgecan Ladies Cultural Center. These women contributed to the mosque’s beauty by painting marble surfaces, creating wood carvings, and producing embroidery featuring Arabic calligraphy, showcasing both craftsmanship and cultural heritage.