Photos of Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque in Konya, Turkey - an example of 16th-century Ottoman architecture
Selimiye Mosque is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque in Konya's historic center, in the Karatay district, next to the Mevlana Museum on Mevlana Square. It is a notable landmark within the pedestrian area of the city and a characteristic example of classical Ottoman religious architecture.
Construction began by order of Şehzade Selim, the future Sultan Selim II, during his governorship of Konya. Works were completed around 1570. The design is attributed to the school of Mimar Sinan, which explains the clear layout and measured proportions of the building.
The mosque is built of ashlar stone. The central dome rests on robust arches and pillars, and an arcaded portico with several small domes stands before the main entrance. The arched openings are decorated with contrasting bands of red and light stone, and the building has several entrances from the square and the surrounding streets.
The mosque is active. Visitors should take prayer times into account, remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall, observe the dress code and keep quiet. Its convenient location next to the Mevlana Museum makes it a natural stop during a walk through Konya's center.
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Selimiye Mosque is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque in Konya's historic center, in the Karatay district, next to the Mevlana Museum on Mevlana Square. It is a notable landmark within the pedestrian area of the city and a characteristic example of classical Ottoman religious architecture.
Construction began by order of Şehzade Selim, the future Sultan Selim II, during his governorship of Konya. Works were completed around 1570. The design is attributed to the school of Mimar Sinan, which explains the clear layout and measured proportions of the building.
The mosque is built of ashlar stone. The central dome rests on robust arches and pillars, and an arcaded portico with several small domes stands before the main entrance. The arched openings are decorated with contrasting bands of red and light stone, and the building has several entrances from the square and the surrounding streets.
The mosque is active. Visitors should take prayer times into account, remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall, observe the dress code and keep quiet. Its convenient location next to the Mevlana Museum makes it a natural stop during a walk through Konya's center.
A spacious domed hall and a restrained decorative tradition underline the religious function.
Classical Ottoman mosque by the Mevlana Museum
Inside, visitors will find a spacious domed hall with an emphasis on light and symmetry. The decoration is restrained and traditional - calligraphic panels, ornaments on the cornices and pendentives, and stained-glass windows that admit soft daylight. The prayer area is separated by a low railing, and the mihrab and minbar are finished in the style of the period.
Outside, the arcaded portico with small domes and the striped stone arches typical of 16th-century Ottoman buildings draw attention. It is easy to examine the carving on the portals and the window grilles, and the forecourt in front of the entrance offers views of Mevlana Square and the main museum complex. Photography is usually permitted outside prayer times - it is important to remain calm and respectful of worshippers.
Nearby are key sights of the city center: the Mevlana Museum is just a few steps away, the Aziziye Mosque with Baroque touches and the covered bazaar are minutes on foot. Slightly further along the route are Alaeddin Hill with its mosque and the Ince Minare Madrasa, both reachable on foot.
The easiest approach is on foot from Konya's center: from Alaeddin Hill the walk takes about 10-15 minutes along Mevlana Street. City buses and taxis serve Mevlana Square, with stops on the adjacent streets.
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