Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque in Konya, Turkey - a 16th-century Ottoman building
Selimiye Mosque is located in the center of Konya, in the Karatay district, next to the Mevlana Museum and Mevlana Square. This makes it easy to include in a walk through the old part of the city: the building stands in one of the most visited places in Konya and is clearly visible among the historic buildings.
The mosque was built in the 16th century during the Ottoman period, when Konya remained an important city of Anatolia. It is associated with Sehzade Selim, the future Sultan Selim II. The building displays features of the classical Ottoman architecture of that time: strict symmetry, clear proportions, a large central dome, and a portico in front of the entrance.
The building is made of cut stone. Its exterior is distinguished by arcades, domed roofing, and facades with a contrasting alternation of light and reddish stone in certain architectural details. Inside, attention is usually drawn to the spacious prayer hall, the domed ceiling, and the restrained decorative design typical of Ottoman mosques.
For tourists, the mosque is interesting both as an active religious monument and as part of the historical ensemble around the Mevlana Museum. When visiting, it is worth taking prayer times into account, entering in modest clothing, and removing shoes before entering the prayer hall. Even a short stop here helps to better understand what Ottoman Konya looked like in the 16th century.
Selimiye Mosque on the map
Selimiye Mosque - architectural features and visiting rules
The space combines strict Ottoman symmetry with an active religious function.
16th-century Ottoman mosque next to the Mevlana Museum
From the outside, the most convenient way to view the mosque is from Mevlana Square, where the main facade, the arcaded portico, and the slender minarets are clearly visible. The architecture is designed for a unified perception of volume: the central dome dominates the rest of the building, while the entrance area is framed by small domes above the portico.
Inside, visitors will see a high prayer hall with a domed space, a mihrab, a minbar, and traditional elements of an Islamic religious interior. The setting remains active rather than museum-like, so access may be limited during prayer. Women are usually advised to cover their heads, and all visitors should choose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
The mosque is often visited together with the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum, and other historic buildings around the square, so it is convenient to allow a few hours for this area. Nearby are also the streets of Konya's old center, where you can continue your walk on foot.
The easiest way to get here is on foot or by tram to the Mevlana Museum area, after which the mosque is just a few minutes' walk away. It is best to come outside the main prayer times if the purpose of the visit is to calmly explore the architecture.
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