Famous Mosques in Konya: A Visitor's Guide

When we think of Konya, the city’s mosques often come to mind first. With their rich history and striking architecture, Konya’s mosques captivate both domestic and international visitors throughout the year. 

Konya’s mosques are still actively used, and those known as the largest are often filled with locals during prayer times.

One reason for the abundance of mosques in Konya is its history as the capital of the Anatolian Seljuk State. From 1075 to 1308, the Seljuks ruled this region and built numerous mosques and madrasas, leaving a lasting architectural legacy.

Aziziye Mosque, built in 1867 by order of Sultan Abdülaziz, is located in the city center. Its corner domes feature gold embroidery, and its tall windows, extending to the ground, keep the interior bright throughout the day. The mosque is notable for having larger windows than doors, and traces of European Baroque architecture can be seen in its design.

Iplikçi Mosque, dating back to 1202 during the Seljuk period, features a mihrab (prayer niche) made of a special blue marble. One of its most significant aspects is that Mevlana, who arrived from the city of Balkh, lived in a corner of the mosque for some time. The mosque is also famous for its unique acoustic fountain: if two people speak facing each other from opposite sides of the columns, their voices can be heard clearly, even in a whisper.

Alaaddin Mosque, perched atop Alaaddin Hill, was built in 1220 and expanded by later rulers. It is the largest mosque in Konya, and its garden is dotted with several mausoleums, adding to its historical atmosphere.

Kapu Mosque, located in the Old Wood Bazaar neighborhood, was originally built in 1568. After being demolished twice and burned once, it acquired its current form in 1868. It is the largest mosque constructed in Konya during the Ottoman period.

Eşrefoğlu Mosque, in Konya’s Beyşehir district, is renowned as the largest wooden-columned mosque. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2012. The mosque has undergone multiple restorations over the years, though details about the exact dates and contributors are not fully known.