“This mosque is a bit like a layer cake of history, wouldn’t you say?” chuckled a tourist, pointing his selfie stick at the impressive structure before us. The Aydınlık Camii, with its iconic fluted minaret, does indeed stand as a testament to Antalya’s rich and layered past. The first mosque on this very spot was actually constructed way back in the 13th century. It was commissioned by the Seljuk Sultan, Alaeddin Kaykubad I, a ruler who left his architectural mark on numerous Anatolian cities. Sadly, that original mosque was destroyed in the 14th century. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, a new Aydınlık Camii was built in its place by the Hamidids in 1373. This time they used the foundation of a former Byzantine church, adding another layer to the fascinating historical mix. What you see today, especially the impressive prayer hall with its six domes, is a beautiful example of early Anatolian mosque architecture. And that striking minaret that caught your eye? With its eight elegant flutes and vibrant blue tiles, the Yivli Minare, as it’s called, has become a symbol of Antalya itself.
Solmaz Camii
Is it possible to weave together threads of different eras within a single structure? Look closely at the Solmaz Camii