Situated in the core of Ankara’s historic district, Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque serves as a stunning example of Ottoman architectural excellence and spiritual legacy. In addition to the impressive Kocatepe Mosque, it stands as one of the most famous religious sites in the Turkish capital. This mosque, built in the era of the Ottoman Empire, pays tribute to the esteemed Turkish Sufi and poet, Hacı Bayram-ı Veli. The mosque, with its deep historical roots, detailed artistry, and spiritual importance, continues to be a significant draw for worshippers and tourists.

A Site of Spiritual and Historical Significance

The Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque was officially added to Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in 2016, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. Situated on Hacı Bayram Veli Street, the mosque is enveloped by meticulously cared-for parks and notable tombs, enhancing its tranquil and reflective ambiance. The mosque is conveniently located near city bus and metro routes, situated next to the historic Temple of Augustus, which presents an intriguing blend of Ottoman and Roman architectural styles.

The Mausoleum of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli

The mosque takes its name from the tomb of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, located within its garden. This mausoleum, designed in a square plan and built in 1429, showcases an octagonal drum structure crowned with a lead-covered dome, representing the essence of traditional Ottoman funerary architecture. The garden of the mosque also contains the tomb of Osman Fazıl Pasha, a notable statesman from the 18th century. The latter is an octagonal structure topped with a dome that rests directly on its walls, presenting a design that is both minimalist and dignified. Osman Fazıl Pasha’s coffin was initially interred in this tomb, but it was subsequently moved to his family cemetery.

Architectural Brilliance and Ornate Interior Design

The Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque stands as a remarkable example of Ottoman artistry, adorned with intricate woodwork, beautifully hand-painted motifs, and stunning tile decorations. The painted embellishments attributed to the master engraver Nakkaş Mustafa Pasha stand out as some of the mosque’s most remarkable features, with his craftsmanship beautifully enhancing the ceilings, walls, and wooden elements. The prayer hall features intricate floral motifs and geometric patterns, resulting in a beautiful combination of grace and reverence.

The mosque is distinguished by its two-balconied minaret, which ascends elegantly along the southeast wall. This impressive minaret features a square-plan base that elegantly transitions into a cylindrical brick tower. Constructed in the mosque’s formative years, it experienced substantial renovations in 1714, overseen by Mehmet Baba, a descendant of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli. Efforts for restoration persisted through the centuries, culminating in the most extensive renovations conducted by the General Directorate of Foundations in 1940. The latest restoration, managed by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, concluded with the mosque’s impressive reopening for worship on February 14, 2011. Currently, it can host as many as six thousand worshippers, providing room for four thousand five hundred in the enclosed prayer hall and another one thousand five hundred in the open courtyard.

Structural Evolution and Layout

The mosque was originally built in 831 H (1427/28) and has experienced several modifications over time, resulting in its current form that showcases the architectural features of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The design features a rectangular floor plan, with subsequent expansions extending the building to the north and west. The primary prayer hall showcases a wooden ceiling, highlighted by a hexagonal rosette at its center, surrounded by six concentric bands featuring floral patterns. A smaller rosette, resembling the larger one, adorns the ceiling of the western women’s section, which is an extension from a later period. The ceiling’s edges feature beautifully carved floral cornices that extend into the women’s section, ensuring a seamless design throughout the interior.

The mosque’s windows are equally impressive. The lower windows, rectangular in shape, feature pointed arch niches on the exterior, while the upper windows showcase pointed arches embellished with intricate plaster gratings and stained glass. The exteriors of these openings showcase intricate plant motifs, enhancing the mosque’s visual charm. The interior features walls adorned with exquisite Kütahya tiles that reach up to the height of the windows. A transition to a plain wall is created through a border of intricately chiseled palmettes, ensuring a seamless flow between the mosque’s decorative elements.

Sacred Elements and Calligraphic Art

The mihrab, a vital component of every mosque, is crafted using the stalactite niche technique, featuring five rows of Quranic inscriptions on its pediment. The sacred inscriptions flow gracefully along the edges of the mihrab, fulfilling both an aesthetic and a spiritual purpose. Next to the mihrab is the beautifully carved minbar, made using the false kündekari technique, which imitates traditional interlocking woodwork without employing nails or adhesives. This exceptional work showcases a sophisticated level of skill and commitment.

The mosque’s interior is further enhanced by the painted engravings on wood, crafted with great care by Nakkaş Mustafa. The embellishments enhance the mosque’s enduring magnificence, safeguarding the artistic legacies of the Ottoman era. Two inscriptions on the south wall record the mosque’s restoration in 1714, highlighting its lasting importance through the ages. The restoration efforts undertaken in 1940 and 1947 played a crucial role in preserving its architectural integrity, enabling future generations to value its historic and spiritual significance.