Photos of the Yivli Minaret
Yivli Minaret
Yivli Minaret, Antalya, Turkey
Yivli Minaret - one of Antalya's most recognizable symbols. It stands in the historic Kaleici district and is visible from many points in the city center. The structure is about 38 m tall.
It is distinguished by a fluted shaft made up of eight longitudinal semicylinders. The decoration is made of red brick with inlays of azure and turquoise ceramic mosaic, and Kufic inscriptions remain in places. The name 'Yivli' means 'fluted' in Turkish.
The minaret was built in the 13th century under the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I and is considered one of the early examples of Islamic architecture in southern Asia Minor. It belongs to the Yivli Camii complex; nearby is an active 13th-century mosque and other Seljuk-era buildings.
The entrance to the minaret is at its base; inside is a spiral staircase of about 90 steps, but access is usually closed to visitors. The minaret is viewed from the outside; it's easy to orient yourself by nearby Kaleici landmarks - the Clock Tower and Hadrian's Gate.
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Yivli Minaret - one of Antalya's most recognizable symbols. It stands in the historic Kaleici district and is visible from many points in the city center. The structure is about 38 m tall.
It is distinguished by a fluted shaft made up of eight longitudinal semicylinders. The decoration is made of red brick with inlays of azure and turquoise ceramic mosaic, and Kufic inscriptions remain in places. The name 'Yivli' means 'fluted' in Turkish.
The minaret was built in the 13th century under the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I and is considered one of the early examples of Islamic architecture in southern Asia Minor. It belongs to the Yivli Camii complex; nearby is an active 13th-century mosque and other Seljuk-era buildings.
The entrance to the minaret is at its base; inside is a spiral staircase of about 90 steps, but access is usually closed to visitors. The minaret is viewed from the outside; it's easy to orient yourself by nearby Kaleici landmarks - the Clock Tower and Hadrian's Gate.
Best photographed in the morning and at sunset.
Best viewpoints and what's nearby
The most convenient spots for photos are Republic Square and the viewpoint above the Old Harbor. Up close, the minaret photographs well from the narrow streets of Kaleici, especially in the morning and at sunset, when the texture of the masonry shows better.
At the base you can examine the decorative masonry and ceramic inlays. You can usually enter the courtyard of the Yivli Camii, and the mosque itself is visited outside prayer times - modest clothing and respectful behavior are required. The Seljuk-era buildings in the complex are protected as cultural monuments, and small exhibitions are held occasionally in some buildings.
Within walking distance are Kesik Minaret, Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque and the Old Harbor - it's convenient to combine visiting these sites in one walk around Kaleici.
Getting there is easy: from Republic Square in the city center it's a 5-7 minute walk, or take the nostalgic tram to the Kalekapisi stop.
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