The two photographs here in this post, are a couple of many I captured during a photography trip to Edirne city of Turkiye. One of our stops was a historical mosque called Eski Camii (Old Mosque). As part of our trip, we had the opportunity to work with a model, a friend from the photography club actually, posing both inside the mosque and outside for us.
Ethereal feelings
Indoors, the first picture below, the sun light through the windows provided a striking contrast to the soft interior atmosphere. The delicate balance of brightness and shadow allowed me to play with different perspectives, capturing not just the architectural beauty but also the emotion of the space.
The model was sitting in front of the window with the Quran in front of her. The holiness of the book and the light from the window wraped her around and created a story. I thought a small aperture would allow me to adjust for highlights as well as bring up the sun rays. I used f/16 and my ISO was at 800 I didn't touch that, and shutter speed 1/1000s gave me this nice image. In the editing stage I cleared some dust and flares from the image. For me she looks like experiencing some inner awakenings.
The Calligraphy: A Silent Yet Powerful Presence
On the outside of this mosque we also experienced and amazed with the massive calligraphy printed over the walls in bold black strokes. These writings are not just decorations; they are an integral part of the mosque’s artistic and spiritual identity. Unlike many mosques where calligraphy is printed into the tilework, Eski Camii’s inscriptions stand out in stark contrast against the stone, enhancing the aesthetic side.
In the second picture above, I knew what to do. I aimed for slow shutter speed to give the model a moving effect. I used f/16, ISO 200 and shutter speed of 1/8s. The calligraphy it self is great. Also there is another detail here. The marble table in front of the window is a coffin rest, called musalla. When people die, Muslims pray before the coffin. In front of the historical wall I think this setup emphasizes the ephemeral side of our life.
Photographing this historical building was an incredible experience. The way the light plays on the surface of the walls and inside the building creates a lot of stories in every moment, which are waiting to be captured. Each stroke tells a story—not just of faith, but of the artistic expression of the time. The craftsmanship, even after centuries, remains inspiring.
A Glimpse into History
Eski Camii is one of the oldest surviving mosques of the Ottoman era, completed in 1414 during the reign of Sultan Mehmed I. It was built during a transitional period when Ottoman architecture was evolving, blending influences from earlier Anatolian and Seljuk styles. Unlike the grand domed mosques of later years, Eski Camii’s design is more understated, yet it carries an undeniable sense of strength and presence.
The mosque has witnessed centuries of history, from the days when Edirne was the Ottoman capital to the present, where it continues to be a place of worship and cultural heritage. Stepping inside, you can feel the weight of time in the air, a reminder of all those who have passed through its doors, prayed under its domes, and found solace within its walls.
[Source: ChatGPT free version]
I must say generally Edirne’s historic streets and grand facades offers equally captivating settings. This city is blended with human presence and centuries-old textures.
Capturing More Than Just a Place
As an amateur photographer, I look for beautiful visuals, on top of that if I am able to capture emotion, atmosphere, and a connection between past and present then the experience is up in another level. Eski Camii offered me and my group at that time all of that and maybe more. I believe in moments like these photography becomes more than just an image, it becomes an expression, a story.
What emotions does these images evoke for you?
All the best...
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