“Did you hear about the mosque named after a lion?” I ask, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. That’s what some people call the Aslanhane Mosque. Though its official name is grander. Welcome to the Aslanhane Mosque in Ankara a testament to centuries of faith and artistry.
This mosque dates back to 1290. That makes it one of Turkey’s oldest mosques still standing. Think about that for a moment. It has been a place of worship for over seven centuries. The Aslanhane Mosque has seen empires rise and fall.
Ebubekir Mehmet was the architect. The mosque’s construction was commissioned by two Ahi leaders. They were Hüsamettin and Hasaneddin. Ahi were similar to a guild. The Aslanhane Mosque was repaired in 1330 by another Ahi leader. His name was Şerafettin. Some say that’s why the mosque is sometimes called after him.
The name Aslanhane Camisi means “house of the lion”. The name comes from a lion statue. The statue was buried in the walls of Şerafettin’s mosque.
Look around at the building’s structure. It has a square plan covering 400 square meters. A single minaret stands tall. The wooden roof is supported by 24 large wooden columns. Three gates and 12 windows punctuate its walls. The mihrab is decorated with Seljuk tiles.
Notice the building material. Much of it is spolia. Spolia means repurposed materials from older buildings. These stones carry stories from eras long past. They add layers of history to this sacred space.
Şerafettin’s tomb faces the Aslanhane Mosque. It serves as a reminder of the man who helped preserve this house of worship.
The Aslanhane Mosque has undergone several minor repairs over the centuries. Between 2010 and 2013 the Directorate General of Foundations restored the mosque. This ensured that it would continue to serve the community for generations to come.
As you stand here take a moment to appreciate the Aslanhane Mosque. It’s more than just a building. It’s a living piece of history a testament to faith and community.