The Grooved Minaret Mosque (Yivli Minare Mosque), also known as the Fluted Minaret or Alaaddin Mosque, is the traditional symbol of the city of Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast and one of the symbols of Anatolian Turkish architecture and an outstanding example of multi-domed mosques in Anatolia.
It is believed that the Yivli Minare Mosque in the city is the first and oldest example of Islamic architecture. However, it is also assumed that the mosque was constructed on top of an original mosque or Byzantine church, as the ancient column heads were used in the interior of the mosque.
Visiting Grooved Minaret
Located right in the heart of the city near Kaleiçi (the old town centre of Antalya province), Kalekapısı Square, and Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı), you'll be sure to see the 40-meter (131-foot)-high symbol as you walk around Kaleiçi. Nicely restored in 1955 and again in 2010, the minaret still bears traces of its characteristic dark blue tiles here and there on its exterior walls.
You can visit the 13th-century Seljuk Turkish mosque at the foot of the minaret, which was restored in 2010. There are also other elements of the mosque's külliye (complex of buildings) here, along with various bits of marble and other stones from Roman and Byzantine times. A square building hidden in the verdure was a hamam for the dervish lodge of a dervish order.
The müezzin's balcony is reached by 92 interior steps (not open to the public). However, you can visit the prayer hall of the museum and see the ancient waterway preserved inside. Read our mosque-visiting etiquette article for more information on visiting mosques in Turkey.
Nearby is the grand portal to a 13th-century madrasa (theological college) built, like the Yivli Minaret Mosque and its mosque, on orders of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. The portal has been somewhat restored, and some of the walls of the building behind it are visible, but today, it's filled with souvenir shops. Another portal opposite is smaller and also leads into the Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev Madrasa, which is now completely gone.
Transportation to Yivli Minaret Mosque
Allied Powers occupied the Ottoman Empire (former Turkey) for years, which was the reason for the War of Independence (1919-1923). However, the Ottoman Empire didn't resist these occupations. As a result, during the war, the unofficial Grand National Assembly of Turkey formed in Ankara (1920) and commenced a nationwide resistance movement.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the leader of the resistance movement and newly constituted Turkey, and Ankara was the unofficial capital. The Grand National Assembly was recognized internationally after the Treaty of Lausanne (July 24, 1923). On October 29th, 1923, the newly recognized Turkish parliament officially declared Turkey a republic, and Atatürk became the country's first president.
After Atatürk and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey declared the country a republic, the state improved significantly in a short time. There was a wide range of reforms in all aspects of Turkey, and Atatürk transformed the whole country into a new and modern nation.
Nearby Attractions to Yivli Minaret Mosque
Yivli Minaret Mosque has a central location in Antalya, making it a prime destination for traveling to other popular spots in Antalya. Here are some of the popular tourist destinations near the Yivli Minare Mosque.
Hadrian's Gate: Built-in 130 AD to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian, Hadrian's Gate is one of the oldest structures in Antalya and serves as the main gate for entering the Kaleiçi district of Antalya.
Kaleiçi: Kaleiçi is Antalya's most popular accommodation and souvenir shopping district. It is also the original settlement of Antalya and boasts some of the oldest houses in the city, which are still preserved today.
Karaalioğlu Park: Karaalioğlu Park may not be a significant historical site in Antalya, but it is definitely a must-see attraction when visiting the city. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Mediterranean Sea, attend annual festivals, and take a stroll.
Roman Harbour of Antalya: Antalya's old Roman Harbor has been an intersection for merchants for many years. It is still used as a spot for shopping, dining, and short voyages along the coastline. Definitely worth a visit.
—Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan
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