A minaret standing free on four stone columns beside the Şeyh Mutahhar Mosque, best shot upward or in silhouette.
The Dört Ayaklı Minare, or Four-Legged Minaret, belongs to the Şeyh Mutahhar Mosque in Sur and rises on four basalt columns beside the mosque, so that it stands free over a small open space. It lies close to the Savaş neighbourhood and Yenikapı Street near the junction of the old city's main streets.
The usual composition looks up between the columns to frame the minaret, or places it as a silhouette against the evening sky. Narrow streets limit lens choice, and a wide-angle between 14 and 24 mm helps. The mosque and minaret were damaged in recent years and restored, so scaffolding can appear in some seasons. People pass under the minaret all day, so patience gives cleaner shots of figures in the arches.
| Best time | Golden hour |
|---|---|
| Best season | Year-round |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Şeyh Mutahhar Camii, Yenikapı Sok., Savaş Mah., Sur, Diyarbakır, Türkiye |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Wide-angle zoom (14-24 mm equivalent), Standard zoom
Location
Şeyh Mutahhar Camii, Yenikapı Sok., Savaş Mah., Sur, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
37.9107, 40.2378 View on map
Highlights
- Minaret standing on four basalt columns
- Strong silhouettes at golden hour
- Street life moving beneath the columns
- Neighbouring Sur lanes for context shots
Tips for visiting
- Use a 14-24 mm wide-angle in the tight street.
- Return near sunset for a silhouette against a warm sky.
- Check for scaffolding after restoration or repair work.
- Stay out of the roadway; traffic passes close.
- Ask before photographing people who are praying or entering the mosque.
When to visit
Late afternoon golden hour; early morning for empty streets.
Accessibility
Street-level access on cobbles; limited space.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Four-Legged Minaret?
In Sur, beside the Şeyh Mutahhar Mosque near Yenikapı Street.
Can the mosque be entered?
Visitors may enter outside prayer times in modest dress; photography rules inside should be confirmed on site.
What is the best light?
Golden hour for warm tones and silhouettes.
Is it free?
Yes, the minaret is viewed from the street.