# Mosque preservation and restoration in Turkey

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mosque-preservation-and-restoration-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-11-01T08:28:20.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Efforts to preserve historical mosques in Turkey have been documented in Manisa and Samsun. In Manisa, the Hatuniye Mosque received interior improvements, including the installation of new turquoise carpets to replace worn ones. 

In the Samsun region, preservation initiatives have focused on wooden structures. A 300-year-old wooden mosque was rescued from being sold for firewood and was subsequently relocated to the Ambarköy Open Air Museum. Additionally, restoration work has commenced on the 820-year-old Göğceli Mosque in the Çarşamba district. This project, managed by the General Directorate of Foundations, involves strengthening wooden elements and using traditional materials to protect the site. Authorities intend to nominate the Göğceli Mosque for the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List upon completion.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-01: Göğceli Mosque undergoes restoration in Samsun

Restoration has begun on Samsun’s 820-year-old Göğceli Mosque, a nail-free wooden structure built in 1206, with goals to reopen for worship and seek UNESCO World Heritage status.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gceli-mosque-undergoes-restoration-in-samsun

### 2026-10-27: Historical mosques in Turkey undergo preservation and restoration

Historical mosques in Manisa and Samsun, Turkey, are being preserved through carpet replacements and the rescue of a 300-year-old wooden structure from being sold as firewood.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/historical-mosques-in-turkey-undergo-preservation-and-restoration

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Cite as: Mosque preservation and restoration in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mosque-preservation-and-restoration-in-turkey