The Kocatepe Mosque (Turkish: Kocatepe Camii) is the largest and most impressive mosque in Ankara, Turkey. Its majesty dominates the skyline, making it an unmistakable landmark viewable from practically anywhere in the city center. The mosque in Kızılay’s Kocatepe neighborhood, built between 1967 and 1987, exemplifies Turkish architectural progress and historical devotion.

The Genesis of an Iconic Structure

The vision for Kocatepe Mosque dates back to the 1940s, when Ankara was fast modernizing while yearning for a massive house of worship suited for the capital city. On December 8, 1944, Ahmet Hamdi Akseki, the vice-president of Turkish Religious Affairs, and seventy-two dedicated individuals founded the Society to Build a Mosque in Yenişehir, Ankara. Their goal was clear: to build a lasting spiritual and cultural structure.

By 1947, the group was soliciting architectural designs through an open appeal. However, none of the initial submissions matched their concept. The proposal gained traction in 1956, when then-Prime Minister Adnan Menderes obtained land for the mosque, prompting a new architectural competition in 1957. After evaluating 36 designs, famous architects Vedat Dalokay and Nejat Tekelioğlu chose a collaborative proposal.

A Controversial Beginning

The winning design was avant-garde, including a strong, modernist interpretation of Islamic architecture. However, its drastic departure from traditional Ottoman aesthetics garnered strong criticism from conservative sectors. Construction began, however due to widespread criticism, the project was suspended at the foundation stage.

Undeterred by this loss, Vedat Dalokay later achieved global renown by transforming his vision into the Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. Completed in 1986, this mosque, which can accommodate 24,000 worshippers, has become a recognized symbol of contemporary Islamic architecture.

A Return to Tradition

Following the halt to work, a third architectural competition was launched in 1967. This time around, architects Hüsrev Tayla and M. Fatin Uluengin chose a more traditional design. The new design adopted the neo-classical Ottoman style, taking influence from the grandeur of Edirne’s Selimiye Mosque and the timeless elegance of Istanbul’s Shehzade and Sultan Ahmed Mosques. Indirect influences from Byzantine architecture, particularly the magnificent Hagia Sophia, were also noticeable.

The construction of the Kocatepe Mosque progressed smoothly, with completion in 1987. It is today an architectural marvel, beautifully connecting Turkey’s rich historical heritage with its modern metropolitan character.

Architectural Marvel and Magnitude

The Kocatepe Mosque is a massive building capable of hosting 24,000 people. Its outstanding feature is the tall quartet of minarets, each reaching an astonishing height of 88 meters. These minarets, together with the wide central dome, form a captivating silhouette against the Ankara skyline. The painstaking ornamentation, both inside and out, captures the grandeur of Ottoman craftsmanship.

Despite its recent construction, the Kocatepe Mosque is among the world’s largest mosques. It is unique in that it incorporates modern comforts into its design—a retail mall and supermarket in the basement cater to daily requirements, exemplifying Turkey’s fusion of history and modernity.

Visiting the Mosque

For visitors, the Kocatepe Mosque provides an unmatched experience. While its outline may be seen from a distance, the entire magnificence of the edifice is only revealed up close. Standing in front of its great entryway, the enormous magnitude and meticulous details of the facade strike you right away.

Before entering, guests must remove their shoes and verify that their clothes is modest. The spacious prayer hall inside emanates serenity, with sunshine flowing through a variety of magnificent stained glass windows. Exquisite calligraphy, geometric designs, and delicate arabesques cover the inside, showcasing the pinnacle of Ottoman workmanship. Four massive columns support the main dome, adding to the mosque’s monumental grandeur.

Exploring the Surroundings

Beyond the spiritual immersion at Kocatepe Mosque, the surrounding region is a beautiful mix of heritage and modernity. A walk around the neighborhood exposes a plethora of classic Turkish cafés and eateries where guests can relax while eating authentic Turkish cuisine. Whether you’re sipping a delicious cup of Turkish coffee or savoring the tastes of an Anatolian feast, these places provide the ideal backdrop for reflection and enjoyment of the day’s adventures.