---
title: Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque
slug: arslanhane-ahi-serafettin-mosque-7e68c
url: /detay/arslanhane-ahi-serafettin-mosque-7e68c
type: article
language: English
entity:
  primary: Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque
  type: article
  disambiguation: Arslanhane Mosque: 13th-century Ankara masterpiece, UNESCO World Heritage site.  Explore its unique architecture.
  categories:
    - name: Architecture
      slug: mimari
      url: /kategori/mimari
    - name: History
      slug: tarih
      url: /kategori/tarih
    - name: Islam
      slug: islam
      url: /kategori/islam
  tags:
    - Arslanhane Mosque
    - arslanhane
    - ahi şerafeddin
    - Seljuk
    - architectural
    - Mosque
    - Ankara
    - Altındağ
    - UNESCO
author: Sencer Kağan Gürgen
created_at: 2025-08-16T17:31:57.951285+03:00
updated_at: 2025-09-05T10:15:35.183410+03:00
image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/08/16/TbkSv07omXKOig38G02aESLgpAKgoJSA.jpg
---

# Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque

<!-- CONTEXT: KURE Information Cards for "Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque" -->

## KURE Information Cards

### KURE Information Card: Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafeddin) Mosque

![başlık.jpg](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/08/16/pNzVufFIrC1knlXXKyHw84Ezc0xmVNqa.jpg)
*Anadolu Agency*

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Location | Türkiye,Ankara,Altındağ |
| Year of Construction | 13th Century |
| Architectural Genre | Mosque |

<!-- CONTEXT: Article Content for "Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque" -->

## Article Content

The [Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque](/en/detay/arslanhane-ahi-serafettin-camii-c99c4/llms.txt), located in the Ulus-Samanpazarı district of Altındağ, Ankara, is one of the significant examples of timber-columned and beam-structured mosques of the Medieval Anatolian period. Constructed in the 13th century by the Ahi Brotherhood, the mosque was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. Positioned at the southern edge of [Ankara Castle](/en/detay/ankara-castle-cc741/llms.txt), it is also known as **Arslanhane** due to the presence of an ancient lion statue.

### **History**

Although the exact construction inscription has not survived, the wooden pulpit inscription indicates that the mosque was built around 1289–1290 during the reign of [Seljuk](/en/detay/selcuklular/llms.txt) Sultan Kaykaus II. It is also thought that it may have been commissioned by Seyfeddin Çeşnigir in the early 13th century. The mosque underwent repairs in the 13th century and has survived to the present day.

### **Architectural Features**

The mosque has a rectangular plan with five naves in a basilica style. The central nave is wider and higher than the side naves. Numerous spolia materials from the Roman and Byzantine periods were incorporated into the walls. The cylindrical columns, re-used bases, and brick minaret in the northeast corner stand out as remarkable architectural features.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/08/16/IilMzczip6UDJ2PnfqXgAsy7l3FcII0j.jpg)
*İnterior View of the Mosque - (Anadolu Agency)*

### **Interior and Ornamentation**

The mihrab is considered one of the most unique elements of the Seljuk period. Decorated with muqarnas, glazed tiles, and stucco, it forms a large panel rising to the ceiling. The walnut wood pulpit represents a fine example of Seljuk woodcarving, adorned with intricate geometric motifs. The women’s gallery, built of wood, is located at the northern side of the sanctuary.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/08/16/lLaxvc5294fajuyLt85wPacSY6sUgptG.jpg)
*Special Engravings Inside the Mosque - (Anadolu Agency)*

### **Location and Accessibility**

Situated in the Kale neighborhood of Ulus-Samanpazarı, at the southern end of Ankara Castle, the mosque is easily accessible via public transportation and pedestrian routes. It is approximately a 15-minute walk from the city center of Ulus.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/08/16/PbO3bJ3fKThE984KFAKe4WIuI07AGqvy.jpg)
*Mosque Minaret - (Anadolu Agency)*

### **UNESCO World Heritage Status**

The mosque was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. Other mosques inscribed include the [Great Mosque of Afyonkarahisar](/en/detay/afyonkarahisar-ulu-camii-fab6b/llms.txt), [Sivrihisar Grand Mosque](/en/detay/sivrihisar-grand-mosque/llms.txt) in Eskişehir, [Eşrefoğlu Mosque](/en/detay/beysehir-esrefoglu-camii-c45db/llms.txt) in Konya, and [Mahmut Bey Mosque](/en/detay/mahmut-bey-mosque-95f9e/llms.txt) in Kastamonu. In Ankara, it became the second heritage site after [Gordion](/en/detay/gordion-ancient-city-b07b0/llms.txt) to be included on the UNESCO list.

<!-- CONTEXT: Academic Sources and References for "Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque" -->

## Academic Sources and References

1. Anadolu Agency. “The Inclusion of Ahi Şerafettin Mosque in the UNESCO World Heritage List was Welcomed with Joy.” September 20, 2023. Accessed June 23, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/kultur/ahi-serefeddin-camisinin-unesco-dunya-mirasi-listesine-girmesi-sevincle-karsilandi/2996867
2. Ankara Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque.” Accessed June 23, 2025. https://ankara.ktb.gov.tr/TR-260365/aslanhane-camii-ahi-serafettin.html
3. Culture Portal. “Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque.” Accessed June 23, 2025. https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/ankara/gezilecekyer/aslanhane--ahi-serafettin--camii