Kocatepe Mosque — Attraction in Çankaya

The Kocatepe Mosque (Turkish: Kocatepe Camii) is the largest mosque in Ankara, Turkey. It was built between 1967 and 1987 in the Kocatepe quarter in Kızılay, and its size and prominent situation have made it a landmark that can be seen from almost anywhere in central Ankara.

Kocatepe Mosque The idea of building the Kocatepe Mosque dates back to the 1940s. On December 8, 1944, Ahmet Hamdi Akseki, the vice-president of Turkish Religious Affairs, along with seventy-two founding members, established a society known as the "Society to Build a Mosque in Yenişehir, Ankara." In 1947 this society called for projects to be drawn up by architects, but none of the submitted projects was accepted. In 1956, through the efforts of the late Adnan Menderes, Prime Minister of the time, land was allocated for the project to build a mosque in Ankara, and a request for projects was made once again in 1957. This time thirty-six projects were evaluated, with the joint project of Vedat Dalokay and Nejat Tekelioğlu being chosen as the one to be implemented.[2] The accepted project was an innovative and modern design. The construction started, but due to heavy critique from conservatives for its modernist look, the construction was stopped at the foundation level. Vedat Dalokay later built a modified version of the Kocatepe Mosque after winning an international competition for the Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan in 1969. This mosque, which can accommodate 24,000 worshippers, is one of the largest mosques of the world, and accepted by many as the frontiers of modern Islamic architecture.

After a third architectural competition in 1967, a more conservative or nostalgic design by Hüsrev Tayla and M. Fatin Uluengin was chosen to be built. Completed in 1987, this project is built in a neo-classical Ottoman architecture style, and is an eclectic building inspired by the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, and the Sehzade and Sultan Ahmet mosques in Istanbul, which in turn, were influenced by the Eastern Roman architecture of the...

During my recent trip to Ankara, I had the pleasure of visiting one of the city's most stunning landmarks - a grand mosque that left me in awe. With the help of a Muslim local guide, I was able to appreciate the rich cultural and historical significance of this sacred space.

As we approached the mosque, I couldn't help but be impressed by its sheer size and grandeur. Its intricate architectural details were breathtaking, with intricate mosaics, domes, and arches that reflected the beauty of Islamic design. But it wasn't until I stepped inside that I truly appreciated its splendor.

The interior of the mosque was simply stunning. The soaring ceilings and grand chandeliers were awe-inspiring, and the intricate calligraphy on the walls and pillars added a touch of elegance to the space. As we explored the mosque, my guide shared fascinating insights into its history and the significance of various design elements.

What made this visit truly special was the fact that we had the entire mosque to ourselves. The empty space allowed me to fully immerse myself in the beauty and peacefulness of the mosque, and to take in its stunning features without any distractions.

Overall, this mosque was a true highlight of my trip to Ankara. Its grandeur and beauty left a lasting impression on me, and I feel grateful to have experienced it with the help of such a knowledgeable and gracious...

Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara

Overview: The Kocatepe Mosque, the largest in Ankara, was built between 1967 and 1987. It is a significant landmark in the city, known for its impressive Ottoman-style architecture1. Architecture: The mosque features classic Ottoman design elements, including a massive central dome, four minarets, and intricate interior decorations. The stained glass windows and the large chandelier in the main prayer hall are particularly noteworthy1. Visitor Experience: Visitors often highlight the mosque’s beauty, especially when illuminated at night. The interior is described as peaceful and awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit for those in Ankara1. Location: Situated in the Çankaya district, the mosque is easily accessible and close to various restaurants and attractions1. Reviews:

BrakiWorldTraveler: "Ankara’s biggest Mosque, built in the second half of the 20th century. Classic Ottoman style on a grand scale. Beautiful interiors, especially at night when illuminated"1. Sebastian C: "The most beautiful mosque I’ve ever seen. Highly recommended, especially at night when it’s all illuminated inside"1. Duangdao Y: "Biggest and beautiful Mosque in Ankara. Unique inside with colorful stained glass windows"2. The Kocatepe Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Ankara’s cultural and...