The 12th-century Ulu Camii was erected on the site of the former 6th-century Church of St. Stephen (which in turn is believed to have been built on top of a synagogue).
The western side of the building boasts an unusual octagonal minaret, probably retained from the church. Inside, the prayer rooms are laid out as a cross vault with a simple dome above the prayer niche.
The mosque was commissioned by Nureddin, son and successor to the Seljuk governor of Mosul, Imadeddin Zengi, who founded the Zengid dynasty.
