Feel the grandeur. The Kocatepe Camii dominates the Ankara skyline. Its sheer size is breathtaking.
This magnificent mosque isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a symbol of Ankara itself. Its construction a long and fascinating journey. The idea was born in the 1940s. A society formed to build a mosque in Yenişehir. Early design proposals were rejected. Then in 1956 Prime Minister Adnan Menderes allocated land. Another competition followed in 1957.
An innovative modern design was chosen. Construction began. But conservatives criticized its modernist style. Work stopped. The foundations lay untouched. Vedat Dalokay a prominent architect later designed a modified version. He’d won an international competition for the Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
His Kocatepe Camii design however didn’t get built. A third competition occurred in 1967. A more traditional design was selected. Husrev Tayla and M Fatin Uluengin were the architects. Finally construction resumed. It lasted until 1987. The Kocatepe Camii was finished.
The completed mosque is a stunning example of neo-classical Ottoman architecture. It’s inspired by masterpieces like the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne and the Shehzade and Sultan Ahmet Mosques in Istanbul. These in turn reflect the influence of the Hagia Sophia.
The Kocatepe Camii is huge. It can hold 24000 worshippers. Its four minarets soar 88 meters into the sky. The main dome is impressive. The interior is richly decorated with marble gold leaf stained glass and decorative tiles.
From almost anywhere in central Ankara you can see the Kocatepe Camii. It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and architectural brilliance. A landmark that reflects Ankara’s past present and future. Enjoy the view.