The Alaeddin Mosque in Konya

According to the inscriptions on the courtyard entrance gate of Alaeddin Mosque located on Alaeddin Hill in the city center of Konya, it is known that the construction of the mosque was initiated during the final years of Seljuk Sultan I. Rukneddin Mesud's reign and completed during the reign of Sultan II. Kılıç Arslan.

The mosque is not a single-period construction that was built and completed all at once; rather, it can be observed that a significant amount of reclaimed materials were used in its construction.

During the reign of Sultan Izzeddin Keykavus (1210-1219), there was a consideration for adding a new extension to the eastern side of the mosque. However, this addition was completed in the year 1221 during the reign of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I (1219-1236). Apart from the inscription on the minbar mentioning Sultan I. Mesud (1116-1156) and Sultan II. Kılıç Arslan (1156-1192), there are inscriptions belonging to I. Izzeddin Keykavus (1210-1219) and I. Alaeddin Keykubad (1219-1236) on other architectural elements within the complex.

The mosque has a plan that is transversely rectangular, and its prayer hall section reflects three different forms. Moving from east to west, the first section consists of seven bays that extend parallel to the qibla wall. Within the prayer hall, columns made of stone and marble from the Byzantine and earlier eras are used. The roofing system of the structure and the orientation of the bays were altered during the westward expansion of the building, resulting in its current form.

The second section features a dome in front of the mihrab and consists of three bays perpendicular to the qibla. The third section, located in the western part, is composed of five bays parallel to the mihrab wall.

The mosque, which has four different entrances, is most notable for its mihrab and minbar. The minbar, crafted using the technique of Kündekari, is adorned with geometric decorations that are dazzling to the eye. The mihrab, adorned with ceramic tiles, has undergone restoration in some areas, with penwork being used to complete the restoration work.

The mosque's minaret, on the other hand, is an addition from the Ottoman period and is located at the northeastern corner of the prayer hall.