Ahi Şerafettin Aslanhane Mosque
Ankara's ancient Arslanhane Mosque, a UNESCO site, boasts unique wooden columns and Seljuk artistry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Ahi Şerafettin Aslanhane Mosque
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ankara's ancient Arslanhane Mosque, a UNESCO site, boasts unique wooden columns and Seljuk artistry.
"Breathtaking inner architecture, you will feel in peace. The woods and colors are very nice."
👟 Remove Shoes
Remember to take off your shoes before entering the prayer area. Shoe boxes are provided.
🧣 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees. Women, bring a headscarf for prayer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Wooden Minbar
Main prayer hall
Marvel at the detailed carvings of this 13th-century wooden pulpit, a testament to Seljuk craftsmanship.
Seljuk Mihrab
Prayer hall
Admire the Seljuk-style mihrab adorned with exquisite tile and stucco decorations.
Lion Statue
Exterior wall
Spot the namesake lion statue embedded in the mosque's wall, giving it the nickname 'Arslanhane'.
Wooden Column Architecture
Main prayer hall
Experience the unique interior with 24 wooden columns supporting a flat wooden roof, a hallmark of Anatolian mosque design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Remove Shoes
Remember to take off your shoes before entering the prayer area. Shoe boxes are provided.
🧣 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees. Women, bring a headscarf for prayer.
💰 Toilet Fee
There's a small fee for using the clean restrooms.
📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful during prayer times.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Remove Shoes
Remember to take off your shoes before entering the prayer area. Shoe boxes are provided.
🧣 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees. Women, bring a headscarf for prayer.
💰 Toilet Fee
There's a small fee for using the clean restrooms.
📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful during prayer times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Arslanhane Mosque for its breathtaking historical architecture, particularly the unique wooden columns and intricate Seljuk mihrab. Many find the atmosphere peaceful and spiritual. Some note the small fee for restrooms and the need for modest dress.
"Ahi Serafeddin Mosque, also known as Arslanhane Mosque, is one of the oldest and most significant mosques in Ankara. Built in the 13th century and restored in 1289–1290 by Ahi Serafeddin, it features a rectangular plan with 24 wooden columns and a flat wooden roof (Ahi Brotherhood is a socio-religious and economic guild system). The mosque is notable for its intricately carved wooden minbar and its Selcuk-style mihrab with tile and stucco decorations. It gets its nickname from a lion statue embedded in its wall (Arslan/Aslan means lion). In 2023, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of Anatolia’s wooden-columned mosques."
Tunç K.
"One of the most beautiful historical mosques of Ankara. It was made in Anatolian Seljuk State. The inner architecture of the mosque is breathtaking. You will feel in peace. The woods and the colours of the walls are very nice. The mosque is monitored 24 hours for security. There is a part for women prayers at the upper stage. The toilets are clean. You need to pay for using the toilet. The carpets are very coherent to the mosque and nice too. It is worth visiting. It is available for tourists to visit also. Please don't forget to take off your shoes."
Yasin Badir
"Completed in 1290. This is one of the oldest mosques in Turkey. Inside of mosque is very beautiful. The roof is made from wood and supported by long wooden columns.
There are shoes boxes in the mosque."
Mai Yamamoto (Travel Blogger)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The mosque is located in the Ulus district of Ankara, a central and historic area. You can reach it by public transport, including buses and the Ankaray metro line, getting off at the Ulus station. From there, it's a short walk. Taxis are also readily available.
Parking can be challenging in the Ulus area due to its historical nature and busy streets. It's advisable to use public transport or a taxi. If you drive, look for paid parking lots in the vicinity.
Yes, the Arslanhane Mosque is open to tourists and visitors of all faiths. It's a significant historical and cultural site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit the Arslanhane Mosque itself. However, there is a small charge for using the restrooms.
The mosque is generally open for visitors outside of prayer times. It's best to visit during daylight hours. While there are no strict posted hours for tourists, it's a place of worship, so respect prayer times.
No, advance booking is not required. You can visit the mosque as a walk-in visitor.
The mosque has a prayer area for women on an upper level, accessible by stairs. While the main prayer hall is on the ground floor, accessibility for those with mobility issues might be limited due to the historical structure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors should dress modestly. This means covering shoulders and knees. Women are advised to wear a headscarf, especially if they plan to enter the prayer area.
Photography is generally permitted inside the mosque, but it's crucial to be respectful and avoid taking pictures during prayer times.
Its most distinctive feature is the 13th-century Anatolian Seljuk architecture, characterized by a flat wooden roof supported by 24 wooden columns. The mihrab also features beautiful Seljuk tile and stucco work.
Visiting on a weekday morning, outside of peak prayer times, usually offers a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the mosque is located in the bustling Ulus district, which is surrounded by numerous local eateries, cafes, and restaurants offering traditional Turkish cuisine. You'll find plenty of options for a meal or a coffee break nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
The intricate wooden minbar, the detailed Seljuk mihrab, and the unique wooden columns are excellent subjects. The exterior, especially the lion statue, also makes for great photos.
While tripods might be allowed, it's best to be discreet and ensure they don't obstruct worshippers or pathways. Always prioritize respect for the sacred space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. The historical architecture, especially the wooden columns, can spark curiosity. Ensure children are dressed modestly to adhere to the dress code.
🕌 Religious Visitors
Remember to adhere to the modest dress code, including covering your head if you are a woman. The mosque's historical significance adds a profound spiritual dimension to your visit, connecting you to centuries of Islamic tradition in Anatolia.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Anatolian Seljuk Architecture
The interior is further enhanced by the Seljuk-style mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Mecca. This mihrab is adorned with intricate tile and stucco decorations, showcasing the artistic prowess of the period. The mosque's architect, Ebubekir Mehmet, and the Ahi leaders Hüsameddin and Hasaneddin, commissioned its creation, with later repairs and naming by Ahi leader Şerafettin. This historical layering adds depth to the understanding of the mosque's evolution.
Recognized for its unique architectural style and historical importance, the Arslanhane Mosque was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023 as part of the 'Anatolia's Wooden-Columned Mosques' serial nomination. This designation underscores its global significance and the need for its preservation.
The Significance of the Ahi Brotherhood
The Ahi Brotherhood emphasized values such as honesty, craftsmanship, and social responsibility. Their influence extended beyond economic activities, shaping the social and cultural fabric of the regions they operated in. The mosque, therefore, stands not just as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Ahi people and their contributions to Anatolian history and culture.
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