Former Alexander Nevsky Church - Fethiye Mosque
Former Alexander Nevsky Church - Fethiye Mosque in Kars
The former Alexander Nevsky Church, known today as Fethiye Mosque, is located in Kars, in the area of the so-called New Kars - the quarters formed during the period when the city was part of the Russian Empire. This part of the city is noticeably different, with a more regular layout and stone buildings dating from the late 19th to the early 20th century.
The building was originally constructed as an Orthodox military church for one of the Russian regiments. From its original appearance, the main volume of the structure has survived to this day, although the dome and bell tower have been lost. Despite these changes, the architecture still clearly reflects features of Russian church and military architecture of that time.
Later, the building was adapted into a mosque, and today it continues to function as an active religious site. This transition makes it a vivid monument to the complex history of Kars, where cultures, faiths, and state traditions intersected throughout different eras.
This place will be of interest to those who want to better understand the historic character of the city beyond its medieval monuments. Fethiye Mosque attracts visitors not only because of its history, but also because of its location in quarters where traces of the Russian urban planning era can still be seen.
Former Alexander Nevsky Church - Fethiye Mosque on the map
Former Alexander Nevsky Church - Fethiye Mosque in New Kars
The building preserves traces of Russian church architecture and later reconstruction.
Traces of a Russian military church in the quarters of New Kars
When viewing the building, it is worth paying attention to the massive stone masonry, strict proportions, and overall silhouette, which distinguish it from most Ottoman mosques in the region. Even after reconstruction, elements are still visible here that point to the building’s original purpose as a late 19th-century Orthodox church.
Visitors should remember that this is an active mosque, so entry inside depends on prayer times and local rules. Clothing should be modest, and during services it is better to limit yourself to viewing the exterior. The building is seen most expressively from a short distance, when its volume and facade details are clearly visible.
A walk here can easily be combined with exploring the neighboring streets of New Kars, where barracks, residential houses, and public buildings from the Russian period have been preserved. If time allows, you can then continue to Kars Castle or to the central quarters of the city to see another historical layer of the urban fabric.
Getting to the building is usually easiest on foot or by a short taxi ride from the center of Kars, as it is located within the city. Before visiting, it is useful to check whether entry for non-Muslims is open at a specific time.
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Photos of the mosque
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