Peeking through the ancient stones of Ankara, can you feel the echoes of faith and history converging at the Hacı Bayram Veli Camii? This mosque stands not only as a place of worship but as a testament to the enduring legacy of a Turkish Sufi poet. The Hacı Bayram Veli Camii is a prominent landmark. It stands with the Kocatepe Mosque as one of Ankara’s best known mosques.
Hacı Bayram Veli Camii owes its existence to Hacı Bayram-ı Veli. He was a revered figure in Turkish Sufism. The mosque bears his name in honor of his spiritual significance. The construction of the Hacı Bayram Veli Camii dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It represents a rich tapestry of cultural and religious heritage.
Imagine the year 1427. Construction began on this sacred site. By 1428, the Hacı Bayram Veli Camii was completed. The mosque has evolved, reflecting architectural styles from the late 17th and 18th centuries. Originally, Hacı Bayram-ı Veli’s real name was Numan-bin Koyunluca Ahmet. He was born in 1352 in Ankara. He founded the Bayrami sect. He was also a Sufi poet and composer of hymns. Hacı Bayram-ı Veli completed his education in Ankara and Bursa. He then taught at the Karamedrese theological school.
The Hacı Bayram Veli Camii’s design features a rectangular plan. Later additions grace its north and west sides. A minaret rises from the southeast wall of the mausoleum. It features a square plan and a brick body. Inside, the single space is covered by a wooden ceiling. A hexagonal rosette adorns the ceiling’s center. It is framed by rows of flowered borders.
Look closely at the windows. The lower ones are rectangular with iron grids. Niches with pointed arches border them. The upper windows have plaster gratings stained glass and chiseled plant motives. Inside, Kütahya tiles reach the windows’ tops. A border of chiseled palmette marks the transition to the plain wall above.
The Hacı Bayram Veli Camii’s plaster Mihrab features a stalactite niche. Verses from the Quran are inscribed on its pediment. Colored Mimbar displays fine workmanship using the false “kündekari” technique. Painted engravings on wood are the work of Nakkaş Mustafa. Inscriptions indicate a restoration in 1714 by Mehmet Baba. He was one of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli’s grandsons.
Adjacent to the Hacı Bayram Veli Camii stands Hacı Bayram’s mausoleum. Dated to 1429, it features a square plan. An octagonal drum supports a leaded dome. The mausoleum’s front facade is marble. The portal stands out with its slided arch. It is decorated with black and white marbles. Inside, an entrance door arch displays interlocking colored stones.
Interestingly, the Hacı Bayram Veli Camii shares its location with the Temple of Augustus. This juxtaposition symbolizes the convergence of different cultures and eras. The temple dates back to 25-20 BC. It holds Latin and Greek inscriptions detailing the deeds of Augustus.
Today, the Hacı Bayram Veli Camii stands as a testament to Ankara’s rich history. It embodies cultural and religious harmony. As we conclude our visit, remember Hacı Bayram-ı Veli. He spread a message of faith and unity. His legacy continues to inspire generations.