Liberation mosque 🇹🇷

Located in the Tepebaşı district of Şahinbey in Gaziantep, Turkey, the Liberation Mosque (Kurtuluş Camii) offers a deeply poignant glimpse into the region's complex history. Originally constructed between 1892 and 1893 as St. Mary's Cathedral (Holy Mother of God Church), this striking historic landmark was designed by the renowned Ottoman-Armenian architect Sarkis Balyan for Sultan Abdul Hamid II, with construction undertaken by stonemason Sarkis Taşçıyan.

It once served as a central place of worship within a larger Armenian Apostolic complex that included a school and diocesan administrative buildings. Following the tragic 1915 deportation of Gaziantep's Armenian population, the sealed cathedral witnessed a drastic succession of repurposing—first as a military facility, then as a stable, and later as a prison from the early 1920s until the 1970s. Converted into a mosque in 1986, the structure saw its upper bell tower demolished and transformed into a minaret.

When you visit today, you will see a unique architectural blending of sacred history that has survived decades of change, careful restoration in 2017, and significant rebuilding following the collapse of its dome and minarets during the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes.

What to see at Liberation mosque

• Designed by famous Ottoman-Armenian architect Sarkis Balyan and stonemason Sarkis Taşçıyan.
• Originally built in 1892–1893 as the Armenian Apostolic St. Mary's Cathedral.
• Reflects a layered history, having served as a church, military venue, prison, and mosque.
• Features a repurposed bell tower base adapted into a minaret after its conversion.
• Rebuilt as a mosque following major structural damage during the 2023 earthquake.

Visiting tips

To see the cathedral's original 19th-century bell—which was cast in South America before being removed—plan a visit to the Gaziantep Museum.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Liberation mosque is easy to reach on Gaziantep’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Gaziantep Castle and Zeugma Mosaic Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Gaziantep travel guide.