The Aziziye Mosque in Konya — Turkey’s unique minarets

Konya AttractionsThe Aziziye Mosque in Konya — Turkey’s unique minarets

The Aziziye Mosque—a unique example of late Ottoman architecture in Konya

In the center of Konya, in the business district of the Karatay neighborhood, stands the Aziziye Mosque—one of the most unusual religious monuments in Central Anatolia. Its twin minarets with columned balconies immediately catch the eye: no other mosque in Turkey features this architectural design. The Aziziye Mosque was built in 1874 following a fire that destroyed the previous building, by order of Pertevniyal—the mother of Sultan Abdülaziz, whose name gave the mosque its current title. It is the last major mosque erected in Konya during the Ottoman Empire. The combination of late Ottoman eclecticism, Baroque motifs, Neoclassical details, and traditional Turkish layout makes it an architectural manifesto of its time—rich, slightly opulent, and utterly unique.

History and Origins of the Aziziye Mosque

The history of the Aziziye Mosque begins long before 1874. The first building on this site was erected between 1671 and 1676 by Damad Mustafa Pasha—the son-in-law of Sultan Mehmed IV and husband of his daughter Hatice Sultan. This original mosque stood for nearly two centuries until it was destroyed by a fire in 1867, which also engulfed the neighboring shops. The flames left almost nothing of the building.

Pertevniyal Valide Sultan—mother of the then-reigning Sultan Abdulaziz—undertook the restoration of the mosque. This is why the mosque bears the name “Aziziye”: it refers to the name of Abdulaziz. According to the Turkish Wikipedia, the new building was completed in 1876 through the joint efforts of Abdülaziz himself and his mother. The architect’s name has not been preserved—a rare occurrence for a major late-Ottoman structure. The mosque became the last significant religious building in Konya erected before the end of the Ottoman Empire.

It is located in the city’s business center, in the Karatay district, in close proximity to the Mevlana Museum. This proximity is no coincidence: the neighborhood between the bazaars and the Sufi lodges has always been the heart of Konya’s urban life, a place where commerce and spirituality coexisted. The construction of a large mosque precisely here underscored the status of the revitalized religious center.

In the 20th century, following the abolition of traditional madrasas and Atatürk’s reforms, the mosque underwent restoration several times. Today, it remains an active city mosque, welcoming worshippers for the five daily prayers and open to tourists during breaks between prayers.

Architecture and What to See

The Aziziye Mosque is a vivid illustration of what was called “eklektik üslup” in the 19th century—the eclectic style. Under the guidance of the Balyan architects of Istanbul, this style spread throughout the empire, blending European Baroque, Empire, and Neoclassical elements with traditional Ottoman layout. The result was buildings that were luxurious, ornate, and somewhat resembling a cake with cream swirls—and in terms of scale and meticulous craftsmanship, Konya’s Aziziye ranks among the finest of them.

Minarets with columned balconies

The mosque’s main highlight is its two minarets, whose gallery-like sherefes are supported not by solid masonry but by slender columns. This design is unique to Turkey: nowhere else is there a similar colonnaded balcony on a minaret. Looking up from below, it seems as though the gallery is suspended in the air rather than resting on stone.

Main facade and portal

The entire main facade is made of hewn stone. The northern portal—the central entrance—is richly decorated with carvings: twisted columns on the sides, a pattern of lacy arabesques, rosettes, palmettes, and relief scrolls cover the jambs and archivolts with a veritable carpet of ornamentation. On either side of the portal are two mihrab niches with decorated stone vaults. The eastern and western portals are more modest but follow the same design theme.

Prayer Hall and Dome

Inside, the prayer hall has a square plan, covered by a single large dome on an octagonal base. The corner transitions are covered by small semi-domes. The dome’s drum features eight windows that let in daylight. The walls are marked by pilasters that mimic semicircular buttresses on the exterior; at the cornice level, these support architrave capitals in an antique style. Above the walls is a stepped cornice that widens outward.

Narthex and five-domed portico

The entrance to the prayer hall leads through the narthex—a portico consisting of five arched bays, with the central bay being significantly taller and wider than the others—an architectural technique reminiscent of the renowned Selimiye Mosque in Edirne. The portico’s five domes of varying sizes emphasize the hierarchy of the space. The narthex is raised on steps—another atypical solution: typically, in Turkish mosques, the main hall is located at street level.

Mihrab, Minbar, and Interior Decoration

The mihrab is made of bluish local marble—the so-called “gök mermeri,” the sky-blue marble of Konya. Its relief carving combines Baroque scrolls and traditional Islamic motifs: on the arch’s pendants are “Empire-style” gilded garlands, and in the niche is Arabic calligraphy. The minbar is also made of marble: the side panels are decorated with lace-like carvings featuring geometric motifs, and the canopy above the pulpit is supported by four columns. The entire decor is an example of the “neo-Baroque” style that Istanbul replicated throughout the provinces in the second half of the 19th century. The arabesques and medallions with inscriptions on the walls are the work of local calligrapher and decorator Mahbub Efendi.

Basins and Fountains

Since the mosque has no courtyard (avlu), the abdest fountains for ritual ablutions adjoin the mosque on the eastern side at the base of the minarets. They are covered by six-columned domes made of white marble. Nearby is a small park.

Interesting Facts and Legends

  • The columned sherefes on the minarets of the Aziziye Mosque are unparalleled in Turkey: the balcony gallery rests on slender columns rather than solid masonry—this makes the mosque absolutely unique architecturally.
  • The decor of the mihrab and the interior was created by a single master—the calligrapher and artist Mahbub Efendi, who painted the dome, arches, and medallions, blending various styles into a unified whole.
  • The mosque was built by order of the sultan’s mother, which is a tradition in itself: the Valide Sultans of the Ottoman Empire often commissioned major religious structures—one need only recall the New Mosque in Istanbul, erected by Kösem Sultan.
  • The original building, dating from 1671–1676, was constructed by Mehmed IV’s son-in-law, Damad Mustafa Pasha. In Istanbul, this same architectural patron is associated with several mosques and madrasas from the Köprülü era.
  • The Aziziye Mosque is considered the last major mosque built in Konya during the Ottoman Empire—a sort of “farewell gesture” from imperial architecture in this city of Sufis and Seljuk viziers.

How to get there

The Aziziye Mosque is located in the business center of Konya, in the Karatay district, a few minutes’ walk from the Mevlana Museum. Exact coordinates: 37.8699° N, 32.5008° E. From Konya Airport (KYA), you can reach the city center by city bus (Havacılar line) or by taxi—the trip takes about 15–20 minutes. The airport receives direct flights from Istanbul (IST and SAW airports) and Ankara.

From Ankara, it is convenient to travel by Hızlı Tren (high-speed rail): the journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, with trains departing several times a day from Ankara Gar station. There are also direct YHT trains from Istanbul (~3.5 hours). In Konya itself, the mosque is within walking distance of most central attractions: about 300 meters east of the Mevlana Museum and approximately 800 meters from the Alaeddin Mosque. City buses stop on the main street, Aladdin Bulvarı, just a block from the mosque.

Tips for travelers

The Aziziye Mosque is an active place of worship, so visiting hours are subject to the prayer schedule. The best time to visit is between the morning and midday prayers or between the afternoon and evening prayers. Just before the call to prayer and during prayer, tourists are asked to wait at the entrance or observe quietly from the side.

A dress code is required: women must cover their heads and shoulders, and men must remove their shoes upon entering the prayer hall. Free scarves and shoe bags are usually available at the entrance. Photography is permitted inside the mosque, but without a flash and preferably during quiet hours.

The best time to visit is on a weekday morning. On Friday evenings and weekends, there are noticeably more worshippers, making it harder to calmly admire the interior décor. In spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October), Konya enjoys mild weather—the most pleasant time for walks through the city center.

Combine your visit with a tour of nearby attractions: the Mevlana Museum (the mausoleum of the founder of the Mevlevi Order, 300 meters away), the Iplikçi Mosque (13th century), the İnce Minare Madrasa (Slender Minaret), and the Aziziye Bazaar right next to the mosque walls. It’s entirely possible to visit all four sites on foot in a single day in Konya. If you’re coming from Ankara on the Hızlı Tren, a convenient option is a day trip: leave in the morning and return in the evening. Experienced travelers recommend checking the prayer schedule in advance using the Muslim Pro app or the diyanet.gov.tr website—this will save time and allow you to enter without waiting. Finally: don’t leave without looking up one more time at the minarets from the outside—it is these columned sherefs that make the Aziziye Mosque not just beautiful, but truly unique in the architecture of all of Turkey.

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Frequently asked questions — The Aziziye Mosque in Konya — Turkey’s unique minarets Answers to frequently asked questions about The Aziziye Mosque in Konya — Turkey’s unique minarets. Information about the service's operation, capabilities, and use.
The most distinctive feature of the Aziziye Mosque is its twin minarets with columned sherefes: the balcony galleries rest not on solid masonry but on slender, elegant columns. No other mosque in Turkey features this architectural design. Combined with its rich, eclectic decor—Baroque scrollwork, neoclassical details, and a traditional Ottoman layout—this makes it a truly unique monument.
The current mosque building was constructed between 1874 and 1876 by order of Pertevniyal Valide Sultan, the mother of the then-reigning Sultan Abdülaziz. The name “Aziziye” refers specifically to Abdülaziz. The architect’s name has not been preserved—a rare occurrence for a major late-Ottoman structure. The first building on this site was constructed as early as 1671–1676, but it was destroyed by fire in 1867.
The Aziziye Mosque is a fully functioning city mosque. It welcomes worshippers for all five daily prayers. It is open to tourists between prayer times. Immediately before the call to prayer and during the prayer, visitors are asked to wait at the entrance or observe quietly from the side.
Admission to the Aziziye Mosque is free—as it is at most active mosques in Turkey. Headscarves for women and shoe bags are also provided free of charge at the entrance.
A dress code is required for everyone. Women must cover their heads and shoulders—scarves are usually provided right at the entrance. Both men and women must remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall; there are special shoe bags by the door. Clothing should be modest, covering the knees and shoulders.
Yes, photography is permitted inside. It is recommended to take photos without a flash and during quieter hours when the mosque is not crowded with worshippers. Particular attention should be paid to the mihrab made of Konya “heavenly marble,” the painted dome with medallions by calligrapher Mahbub Efendi, and the minarets with columned sherefs on the exterior.
The Aziziye Mosque is a prime example of 19th-century Late Ottoman eclecticism. Its design blends European Baroque, Empire, and Neoclassical elements with a traditional Turkish layout. Particularly noteworthy are the lace-like carvings on the portals, the “neo-Baroque” mihrab made of bluish local marble with gilded garlands, the five-domed narthex, and the dome on an octagonal base.
The dome, arches, medallions, and mihrab were painted by Mahbub Efendi, a calligrapher and artist from Konya. He combined Baroque ornamentation, Islamic calligraphy, and geometric motifs into a cohesive decorative whole. Having a single master responsible for the design of a large mosque is a rarity, making the interior of the Aziziye Mosque particularly valuable.
The Aziziye Mosque is considered the last major mosque built in Konya during the Ottoman Empire. It stands in the commercial heart of the city, next to the Mevlana Museum, in a neighborhood where commerce and spiritual life have always coexisted. Its construction in this very location underscored its status as Konya’s revitalized religious center.
The best times to visit are spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October). During these months, Konya enjoys mild, pleasant weather, ideal for walking tours of the historic center. Summers can be hot and winters cold, though the mosque can be visited at any time of year.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the mosque are: the Mevlana Museum, which houses the mausoleum of the founder of the Mevlevi Order (about 300 meters to the west); the Ince Minare Madrasa (“Slender Minaret,” 13th century); the Iplikçi Mosque (13th century); and the Aziziye Bazaar, right next to the mosque. All four sites can easily be visited on foot in a single day.
You can check the current prayer schedule in the Muslim Pro app or on the official Diyanet website (diyanet.gov.tr). The best time to visit is between the morning and noon prayers or between the afternoon and evening prayers. There are significantly more worshippers on Fridays and weekends, so weekdays are preferable.
User manual — The Aziziye Mosque in Konya — Turkey’s unique minarets The Aziziye Mosque in Konya — Turkey’s unique minarets User Guide with a description of the main functions, features, and principles of use.
The most convenient way to get there from Ankara is by Hızlı Tren high-speed train from Ankara Gar station—the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and trains run several times a day. Direct YHT trains also run from Istanbul (about 3.5 hours). If flying, use Konya Airport (KYA): it takes 15–20 minutes to reach the city center by Havacılar bus or taxi.
Before your visit, check the prayer times on the diyanet.gov.tr website or in the Muslim Pro app. Plan your visit for the time between the morning and noon prayers, or between the afternoon and evening prayers. This will allow you to explore the interior at your leisure, without having to wait at the entrance or rush through.
The Aziziye Mosque is located in the Karatay district, in the city’s business center. It is about 300 meters east of the Mevlana Museum—a few minutes’ walk. City buses stop on the main street, Aladdin Bulvarı, just a block away from the mosque. Coordinates: 37.8699° N, 32.5008° E.
Please remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall—there are shoe bags by the door. Women must cover their heads and shoulders: scarves are usually provided free of charge at the entrance. Clothing must cover the knees. If you arrive during prayer, please wait at the entrance or observe quietly from the side—it is not customary to enter the hall at this time.
Start your tour from the outside. Pay special attention to the twin minarets with columned sherefs: the balcony galleries are supported by slender columns rather than solid masonry—there are no other minarets like these anywhere else in Turkey. Also examine the richly decorated northern portal with its lace-like carvings, rosettes, and arabesques.
Inside, take note of the mihrab made of bluish “celestial marble” from Konya, featuring gilded garlands and Arabic calligraphy; the marble minbar with its lace-like carvings; and the paintings on the dome, arches, and medallions by the calligrapher Mahbub Efendi. Take photos without a flash. The dome’s drum has eight windows through which daylight streams in.
After visiting the mosque, head to the Mevlana Museum (300 meters west), then to the Ince Minare Madrasa and the Iplikçi Mosque—both 13th-century landmarks. Stop by the Aziziye Bazaar right next to the mosque. All these sites are within walking distance of each other, so one day is plenty of time to complete the full tour of Konya’s historic center.