Aslanhane Mosque: Ankara’s Seljuk & Unesco Heritage

Origin and Architectural Details

The colloquial name “Aslanhane” does not come from the usage of the mosque to house lions in the past. A comparable usage of pieces of old structures and also ancient gravestones can be seen on the structure and interior of the mosque itself (simply look at the base of the mosque’s turret and the heads of the wooden columns inside the mosque) and, on different celebrations, on the Ankara Citadel, which has actually been remodelled at numerous times throughout its lengthy background dating back to the Phrygians.

Location and Accessibility

The mosque lies in the Samanpazarı area bordering the external wall surfaces of the Ankara Castle and is quickly accessible from a number of historic and visitor areas, such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Historical Significance and Ahi Influence

Among the oldest and most lovely historic monuments in Ankara, the Aslanhane Mosque, whose name literally converts to “Lion’s Residence Mosque,”precedes the Footrest Realm and was developed during the duration of the Seljuks that prospered the Sultanate of Rum amid Mongol intrusions. Right now in the late Middle Ages, the wool-producing Silk Road town of Ankara was distinctly ruled not by the sword yet by an area or “republic” of Ahis, a supposed brotherhood developed by trade guilds under the support of Sufi concepts. There are numerous mosques in the old quarter of Ankara, developed by participants of the Ahi community, which birth the name “Ahi” prior to the names of their creators.

In 2023, the Aslanhane Mosque, in addition to four various other mosques from different Anatolian cities, was engraved on the UNESCO Globe Heritage Checklist under the title “Wood Hypostyle Mosques of Medieval Anatolia.” In addition to its fascinating background, the exquisite woodwork of its interior alone makes it worth a see. One more eye-catcher is the just as stunning ceramic tile job of the prayer niche.