Aslanhane Mosque

Aslanhane Mosque
Aslanhane Mosque portal
Religion
Affiliation	Islam
Location
Location	Ankara, Turkey
Geographic coordinates	39°56′12″N 32°51′55″E
Architecture
Architect(s)	Ebubekir Mehmet
Type	Mosque
Style	Seljuk architecture
Completed	1290
Specifications
Minaret(s)	1
Materials	Face stone and Rubble stone

Aslanhane Mosque (aka Ahi Şerafettin Mosque) is a 13th-century mosque in Ankara, Turkey

Geography

The Mosque is in the old quarter of Ankara next to Ankara Castle. With an altitude of 947 metres (3,107 ft) it overlooks Ankara at 39°56′12″N 32°51′55″E.

History

The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Turkey still standing. It was built during the reign of Mesud II of the Anatolian Seljuks in 1290. Its architect was Ebubekir Mehmet. It was commissioned by two Ahi leaders named Hüsamettin and Hasaneddin. However, in 1330, it was repaired by another Ahi leader named Şerafettin after whom the mosque was named. After several minor repairs the mosque was restored by the Directorate General of Foundations in 2010-2013 term.

The building

The square-plan building with 400 square metres (4,300 sq ft) area has one minaret. Its wooden roof is supported by 24 large wood columns. It has 3 gates and 12 windows. The mihrab is decorated with Seljuk tiles. The building material is mostly spolia from earlier buildings.

Şerafettin's tomb is facing the mosque. There was a lion statue which was buried in the walls of Şerafettin's mosque. That's why the popular name of the mosque is Aslanhane meaning the house of the lion.