The Ilyas Bey Complex is an important Islamic structure from the Menteşeoğulları period, one of the Anatolian principalities, located near the Didim district of Aydın province of Türkiye, right next to the Ancient City of Miletus. Built in 1404 by Menteşeoğlu Ilyas Bey, the complex was designed as a complex containing structures such as a mosque, madrasah, tomb and bathhouse, and is considered one of the original examples of Anatolian Turkish architecture.

Features of the Ilyas Bey Complex
Mosque: The most striking structure of the complex is the mosque. The Ilyas Bey Mosque is made of marble and attracts attention with its geometric decorations and detailed stonework. The mihrab, pulpit and columns are made of white marble and are considered one of the most beautiful examples of pre-Ottoman Turkish architecture. The dome of the mosque creates a spacious atmosphere in the interior. The mosque is decorated with plant and geometric patterns used on the exterior and interior.

Madrasah: Built in the same period as the mosque, the madrasah is a structure used for Islamic education. This madrasah was designed with a courtyard plan and is organized around rooms where students take classes and a courtyard.

Tomb: The tomb of Menteşeoğlu İlyas Bey is also located within the İlyas Bey Complex. The tomb is a structure that emphasizes the religious and spiritual importance of the complex.

Hamam: The hamam in the complex was built as a structure serving the mosque and madrasah. This hamam was included in the complex complex in order to meet social needs in accordance with the Islamic lifestyle of the period.

Architectural Features
The İlyas Bey Complex has a unique design that reflects the architectural understanding of the Menteşeoğulları period. Built in a period when Seljuk tradition and Ottoman influences merged in Anatolian Turkish architecture, the complex stands out with its stonework, geometric patterns and symmetrical arrangements. The main dome and side domes of the mosque, the courtyard of the madrasah and the tomb reveal the importance that the Menteşeoğulları State gave to art and architecture.

Historical Significance and Preservation Works
The İlyas Bey Complex was built during a period when the Ottoman Empire began to dominate Western Anatolia and symbolizes the power of the Menteşeoğulları Principality. This structure was neglected and damaged for a long time at the beginning of the 20th century. However, restoration work was initiated by UNESCO and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2005. As a result of these works, the complex was restored to its original details.

Visit Information
The İlyas Bey Complex is very close to the Ancient City of Miletus near Didim and both structures can be visited together. The complex is an important work that appeals to both history enthusiasts and those interested in architecture and works of art. Visitors can visit the mosque and madrasah, examine the architectural beauties of the complex, and learn about the lifestyle of the period in structures such as the tomb and bathhouse.

The Importance of the İlyas Bey Complex
The İlyas Bey Complex has great cultural and historical importance as one of the rare examples of Anatolian Turkish architecture. This structure, which bears the traces of the Menteşeoğulları period, offers its visitors a historical journey with both its aesthetic features and its religious and social structure.