Hatun Mosque

When recounting the story of the Hatun Mosque, we must first mention the Hacisiyami Mosque. Because in the past, the Hacisiyami Mosque stood on the site of the present-day Hatun Mosque. Historical records show that the Hacisiyami Mosque existed at least until the mid-19th century. The exact date of its construction is not yet definitively determined. However, foundation records from 1847, 1858, and 1901 indicate that the structure existed in Giresun's urban life for many years. The old Hacisiyami Mosque was a structure built using a combination of stone and wood. However, Giresun's location, intertwined with the sea, has at times affected the city's architectural heritage. The 1957 flood was a significant turning point for the Hacisiyami Mosque. The mosque itself and its ablution fountain were destroyed during this event. Thus, another structure from Giresun's past disappeared from the city skyline. But the story didn't end there. A simpler mosque was built in its place. After many years, this structure, except for its minaret, was demolished in 1980-1981. Later, with the contributions of the Bozbağ family, the present-day Hatun Mosque was rebuilt. The architect who designed the mosque is recorded as Ali Bahat. Thus, the same place, with different structures in different periods, continued to be a part of the worship and neighborhood life of the people of Giresun. It is particularly important to note here that the current Hatun Mosque is not the same structure as the historical Hacisiyami Mosque. However, the Hatun Mosque is a point of continuity that also carries the memory of the Hacisiyami Mosque that stood in the same place in the past. Therefore, when visiting this place, it is necessary to look not only at the current structure but also at its past state and the changes it has undergone over time. Another element that makes the story of the Hatun Mosque valuable is its demonstration of the relationship between the city and society. Here, we can clearly see that a mosque is not just an architectural structure; it exists together with the daily lives of the people living around it, the neighborhood culture, and the collective memory. The destruction of the old Hacisiyami Mosque by a sea surge, the construction of new buildings in its place, and finally the emergence of the Hatun Mosque are all small examples of Giresun's changing urban fabric.