Engrossing flower motifs adorn the corners of its ceiling. Welcome to the Hacı Musa Camii. This Ottoman mosque in Ankara has stood for centuries. It is located where two streets meet in the Altındağ district. This is in the neighborhood called Demirtaş.
The Hacı Musa Camii’s inscription says Seyfeddin bin el-Hac Musa built it in the 15th century. Like many historic buildings it has a rectangular plan. The walls are mudbrick and sit on a stone foundation. The roof is covered with tiles. The minaret is remarkable. It was renovated later.
Inside the Hacı Musa Camii two badges decorate the ceiling. Colorful embroidery embellishes the surrounding area. The mihrab is enriched with plaster decorations. The wooden decorations the pulpit and the reliefs add visual details. This is despite the mosque’s simple architecture.
Some experts date the Hacı Musa Camii to the 17th or 18th century. They think the inscription might be from an older building. But the classical decorations suggest it is from the 15th century.
An inscription says the Evkaf Administration repaired the Hacı Musa Camii in 1923-24. The three-arched last congregation place was likely added then. A gallery that lets in light through three windows was also added. It does not match the mosque’s architectural style.
Like many places of worship in Ankara the Hacı Musa Camii has a rectangular plan. It opens to the exterior with a three pointed arch. The building has a stone foundation and mudbrick walls. A wooden roof covered with tiles tops it. Despite its simple architecture the Hacı Musa Camii has rich decorations.
The wooden ceiling is divided into squares. Each corner has a small piece decorated with a flower. Each square panel has a rosette inside. The ceiling is surrounded by colorful classical style paintings. Some believe these paintings are from a later period. Older paintings lie beneath. The ceiling’s center has a hexagonal shape with colorful paintings. It is framed by three borders and has interlaced circles.
The wooden door wings at the entrance are great examples of Turkish art. Carvings adorn the upper parts. The main panel has intricate arabesque decorations. The Hacı Musa Camii’s mihrab is adorned with plaster decorations. Panels inside the niche and surfaces above the arch have classical style carvings.
The mihrab is framed with three stripes. Beautiful calligraphy surrounds it. Besides the phrase of monotheism many plaster relief motifs are visible. The Hacı Musa Camii also has a valuable wooden minbar. Some parts have been renewed. The side panels are made of interlocking wood. Carvings decorate the stair railings.
The mosque’s minaret is next to the last congregation place. Its base and foot are made of cut stone. The body is made of brick. It appears to have been renovated in later periods.
Close to the Hacı Musa Camii you can find the Hacı Musa Fountain. It is located on the west side of the minaret. It was repaired by Hafize Hatun in 1867. The mosque’s garden is colorful. The scent of wood fills the air. The pen work decorations amaze visitors.
Visiting the Hacı Musa Camii is a journey through time. Its decorations and serene atmosphere offer a unique experience. The mosque stands as a testament to Ankara’s rich cultural heritage.