GEBZE CLAYEY LIMESTONE

Quarry Site and Scientific Classification

The ancient quarries of Gebze Clayey Limestone are located near the village of Tavşanlı in the Gebze district of Kocaeli, north of Dil Pier, and in the Mehmet Kâhya Farm around Kemer Bridge. Scientifically classified as "Clayey (Marl) Limestone,” this stone exhibits tones of red and beige.

Gebze Clayey Limestone in the Ottoman Period

Mimar Sinan used both the red and beige types of this natural stone in the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul and in the window interior floor mosaics of the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne. In addition, it was employed in the geometric floor decorations along the east and west walls of the main prayer niche of the Selimiye Mosque.