Historical Mosques
|
|
Ahi Elvan Camii (Ahi Elvan Mosque)
One of the oldest mosques in the city built on a sloping rock in 1382 with a
simple façade. It is located in the quarter of Koyunpazarı. Sultan Mehmed I
had the mosque restored in 1413. Its finely carved walnut mimber
(pulpit) reflects the characteristics of the Seljuk wood tradition. Twelve wooden
columns built in an irregular space support the wooden ceiling. These columns
belong to the Roman and Byzantine periods. The shutters are being exhibited
at Etnografya Museum.
Alaaddin Camii (Alaaddin Mosque)
This mosque has a simple appearance and is inside the Citadel walls on Aktaş
Street. The inscription on the mimber (pulpit), (a masterpiece
of engraved walnut tree), records that the Seljuk ruler, Mesut, built the mosque
in 1178. However the mosque has lost its characteristics and identity due to
the restorations made by the Ottoman Sultans in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Aslanhane - Ahi Şerafettin Camii (Aslanhane –
Ahi Şerafettin Mosque)
This mosque, near the Citadel in Ulucanlar Street was built in 1290. It is one
of the most beautiful mosques of the Seljuk period with a flat inner ceiling,
mihrap (prayer niche) of Seljuk tiles, and an unusual, double
colonnade of wooden columns. Some of the stones used in the construction of
the mosque were collected from the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine period.
The white marble crown door and the minaret rising on the north east intrigue
to its façade Ahi Şerafettin founder of the mosque lies in a Selcuk tomb opposite
the mosque itself. The mosque is called “Aslanhane” (Lion house), named after
the lion statue of antiquity buried on the wall of this tomb.
Cenab-ı Ahmed Paşa Camii (Cenab-ı Ahmet Paşa
Mosque)
This is the largest Ottoman mosque in Ankara built by Cenab-ı Ahmed Paşa (head
governor of Ankara) in the 16th century. The rough details of this mosque belong
to the students of the famous architect Sinan. It was restored
in the 19th century and appropriately called Yeni Camii (New Mosque). It is
agood example of a single domed mosque of Ottoman architecture. The mimber
(pulpit) and mihrap (prayer niche) are of white marble. Its
walls are made of cut stone of very fine workmanship.
Hacı Bayram Camii (Hacı Bayram Mosque)
Located at Ulus next to the Augustus temple. It was originally
built in 1427-28 with the commencement of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, a Sufi poet and
composer of hymns and founder of Bayrami sect. The mosque was restored by the
famous architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century and by one of the grandsons
of Hacı Bayram-i Veli in 1714.Today it shows the characteristics of late 17th
and 18th century mosques. It has two-gallery minarets with a square shaped base.
However the entrance sections are from later additions. The walls are made of
bricks with green pieces throughout. Today it is used for civil and official
ceremonies and frequently visited by newly-weds. The Hacı Bayram Mausoleum is
next to the mihrab (prayer niche) wall of the mosque. This
is one of the best examples of 15th century mausoleums in the city. The wooden
entrance doors are being exhibited at Etnografya Museum.
Karacabey Camii (Karacabey Mosque)
Karacabey, one of the commanders of Sultan Murad II had this mosque built in
1440 at Hacettepe. The design belongs to architect Ebubekiroğlu Ahmed and was
constructed in the style of Bursa Mosques. There are geometric figures carved
into the granite and wooden parts of the entrance gate. Karacabey's tomb is
also in the courtyard of the mosque.
Zincirli Camii (Zincirli Mosque)
It is located in Ulus near Hacıbayram and was built in 1685. From a signboard
it is understood that Ankara Governor Hurşit Pasa made the initial restoration
from 1879-1880. The upper parts of the mosque are made of bricks while the lower
parts are made of Ankara stone. All interior ornaments are the artwork of Nakkaş
(engraver) Mustafa.
Ağaçayak Camii (Ağaçayak Mosque)
This 18th century mosque is located in Ulus. Since it is supported by many wooden
columns it is called “Ağaçayak” (Wooden foot). The ceiling
embroidery above the mihrap (prayer niche) is of geometric figures.
Çiçekçioğlu Camii (Çiçekcioğlu Mosque)
A late 17th century mosque at Ulus. Handwritten prayers are on the inscription
over the entrance door. Since the mihrap (prayer niche) and
the ceiling are embellished by flower motives the mosque is called Çiçekcioğlu
(Son of Florist)
Direkli Camii (Direkli Mosque)
The name Direkli (with columns) comes from the five columns supporting the mosque.
The walls of this 14th century mosque are built from Ankara stone and the mihrap
(prayer niche) is embroidered with geometric figures.
Hacı Ayvaz Camii (Hacı Ayvaz Mosque)
An early 15th century mosque built at Koyunpazarı, Ulus. Some Suras (verses)
from The Koran are written on the stone walls. The minaret was added after the
restoration in 1963.
Kurşunlu Camii (Kurşunlu Mosque)
The mosque is located on Anafartalar Avenue in Ulus. It was built in the 16th
century and has the markings of Ottoman architecture. The walls are of stone
and the interior is embellished by geometric figures.
Mukaddem Camii (Mukaddem Mosque)
Mukaddem Mosque was built by Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror in 1450. It does not
have a minaret though an inscription is over the entrance door. The ceiling
reflects examples of perfect wood work
Also See:
Would you like to add your comment about this article? Click here!
Editor's Picks
Antalya Antalya, one of the most breath-taking places of Turkey, because of its spectacular location... more...
Traveling by Bus Every corner of Turkey can be reached from the bus station, or Otogar as it is called here. more...
Best of windsurf spots Recently the number of beaches providing windsurfing facilities has increased and shores are embellished with colorful surf.. more...
Anatolian Civilizations Museum The museum is located southeast of Ankara Citadel and is composed of two Ottoman Buildings. more...
Trattoria da Rosario Trattoria da Rosario is a small but special Italian restaurant hidden amongst the trees in Koşuyolu, Kadıköy. more...
Hamams in Ankara Would you like to take a bath in Karacabey Hamam of 15th century or Şengül Hamam of 18th century? more...
 |
Latest Articles |
The Guide Istanbul May/June
Akbank Sanat Guitar Days
Flying Broom Festival
Istanbul Jazz Festival
Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival
Goya: Witness of His Time
Izmir Film Festival
Istanbul Theater Festival
Salvador Dali Exhibition
