Views of the minaret and mosque
Yivli Minaret Mosque
Yivli Minaret Mosque, Antalya, Turkey
The Yivli Minaret Mosque is located in the historic center of Antalya, in Kaleici. It is part of a medieval Seljuk complex and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Nearby rises the fluted Yivli Minaret - a symbol of Antalya.
The first mosque on this site was built around 1230 on the site of a Byzantine church during the reign of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. In 1373 the building was completely rebuilt by the rulers of the Hamidid beylik; the current prayer hall dates from that reconstruction. A plaque at the entrance states that the construction was funded by the sultan.
The present building has a rectangular plan oriented east-west. Six domes form the roof, and twelve columns divide the prayer hall. The masonry combines stone and brick, with reused antique and Byzantine elements; the mihrab indicating Mecca is set in the south wall. Nearby stands the 13th-century fluted minaret, about 38 m high.
The mosque is active; visits are usually allowed outside prayer times. Please follow the dress code, remove your shoes, and behave respectfully. The complex is easy to find by the minaret in Kaleici, close to the Clock Tower and Hadrian's Gate. Access hours may change due to services and restoration - check locally for the latest conditions.
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The Yivli Minaret Mosque is located in the historic center of Antalya, in Kaleici. It is part of a medieval Seljuk complex and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Nearby rises the fluted Yivli Minaret - a symbol of Antalya.
The first mosque on this site was built around 1230 on the site of a Byzantine church during the reign of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. In 1373 the building was completely rebuilt by the rulers of the Hamidid beylik; the current prayer hall dates from that reconstruction. A plaque at the entrance states that the construction was funded by the sultan.
The present building has a rectangular plan oriented east-west. Six domes form the roof, and twelve columns divide the prayer hall. The masonry combines stone and brick, with reused antique and Byzantine elements; the mihrab indicating Mecca is set in the south wall. Nearby stands the 13th-century fluted minaret, about 38 m high.
The mosque is active; visits are usually allowed outside prayer times. Please follow the dress code, remove your shoes, and behave respectfully. The complex is easy to find by the minaret in Kaleici, close to the Clock Tower and Hadrian's Gate. Access hours may change due to services and restoration - check locally for the latest conditions.
Restrained Seljuk architecture in the heart of Kaleici.
Seljuk mosque and fluted minaret in Kaleici
Inside you will see a sober prayer hall with massive stone supports and columns topped with capitals from different periods. Note the sections of older masonry and the reused antique and Byzantine details, as well as the simplicity of the decoration typical of Seljuk mosques in Anatolia.
This is an active place of worship: shoes are removed at the entrance, clothing should cover shoulders and knees, and women are advised to have a headscarf. It is best to take photos without flash and in a way that does not disturb worshippers; access may be restricted during congregational prayers.
After your visit, drop into the nearby Mevlevihane - the Mevlevi order museum within the complex, or stroll to Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque and Kesik Minare in the old town. From outside you can best appreciate the brick fluted surface of the minaret and take photos from the inner courtyard and the surrounding streets of Kaleici.
How to get there: it is easiest on foot from central Antalya - from the Ismetpasa or Kalekapisi tram stops walk 3-5 minutes toward Kaleici.
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