Perhaps Ankara’s historical narrative whispered through the very stones under our feet. The story I am about to share isn’t directly about Abdullah İŞler Cami. I will share some details about Ankara’s old mosques to give you some context.
Ankara’s history stretches back to the Bronze Age and the era of the Hittites. Over time many civilizations have left their mark. They contributed to the city’s architectural tapestry. We will explore some of Ankara’s oldest mosques.
One of Ankara’s oldest mosques is Alaaddin Cami. According to an inscription it was built in 1178. Muhiddin Mesud Şah the son of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan II. Kılıçaslan commissioned it. The mosque is still active today. It was renovated by Alaeddin I. Keykubad. That is why it is called “Alaeddin Camii”.
Another significant mosque is Arslanhane Cami. It was built in the early 13th century. The mosque reflects the architectural features of that period. Ahi Şerafettin restored it between 1289 and 1290. The mosque is also known as Ahi Şerafettin Cami.
Ahi Elvan Cami is another old mosque. It was built by Hacı Elvan Mehmed Bey. The mosque is located in the Samanpazarı Ahi neighborhood. Construction began in the 14th century. It opened in the 15th century.
Hacı Bayram Cami is in the Ulus district. It was built by Mimar Mehmet Bey in 1427. The mosque’s name comes from the Hacı Bayram Tomb. It is in the mosque’s garden.
Hacı Arap Cami is another historical mosque. It is located in the Hisar district. The mosque was likely built in the 14th or 15th century. It was constructed during the Ahilik period.
Karacabey Camii is in the Altındağ district. It was built in 1427. Celaleddin Karacabey bin Abdullah built it. The complex includes a tomb a fountain and the Karacabey Hamam.
Hallacı Mahmud Cami is in the Ulus district. It is also known as Hallaç Mahmut Mescidi. The mosque is an important Ottoman structure. It was initially built as a mescid but now it is a cami.
Cenab-ı Ahmet Cami is another mosque of interest. It is located across from the Ulucanlar eye hospital. Cenab-ı Ahmet Paşa commissioned it. The famous architect Mimar Sinan built it during the reign of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman in 1566.
Kurşunlu Cami is near Samanpazarı. It is a classic Ottoman mosque. It features stone walls and a lead-covered dome. The mosque was likely built in the 16th century.
Ankara’s mosques tell the story of its rich past. They reflect various architectural styles. They provide insight into different periods. While these mosques are not Abdullah İŞler Cami, they illustrate Ankara’s architectural heritage. Each one contributes to the city’s unique cultural identity. They connect Ankara’s past with its present.