14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey (15 photos)

Photographer James Kerwin is known for his photographs of abandoned buildings: for example, we showed his series of photographs dedicated to the crumbling churches of Europe. His latest project, The Sanctuary, looks no less impressive.





It translates as “sanctuary,” and the photographer’s lens captured the ancient mosques of Turkey: they have been empty for a long time, and time is getting the better of them.

James himself now lives in Istanbul, but for his project he went to Turkish villages



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

This is where you can find old mosques that are slowly being destroyed

14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

A more convenient and modern replacement was built for these mosques long ago



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

So the buildings stand idle, and nature slowly reclaims its territory



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

But they are still very beautiful, and it is this beauty that the photographer emphasizes



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

Many mosques are over 500 years old



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

You can see how hard they were made centuries ago.



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

James traveled to more than 40 villages in search of abandoned temples



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

They are not preserved everywhere



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

So the journey was a real adventure for him



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

Kerwin was surprised by how well the bright interiors had held up



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

His photos remind us of the incredible craftsmanship that people once put into these buildings.



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

The Sanctuary is an attempt to highlight Turkey's rich heritage



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey

After all, many tourists visit only a small part of this amazing country



14 amazing photos showing abandoned mosques in Turkey