Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque: Traditional Islamic Art in Modern Ankara

As you travel towards Bilkent in Ankara, the large dome and four minarets beside the Presidency of Religious Affairs are hard to miss. Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque belongs to a different part of the cityscape from the historic mosques of old Ankara. Here, traditional Turkish-Islamic architectural forms meet the scale and construction techniques of a contemporary building.

Its size is immediately striking, but a closer look reveals more: geometric Seljuk-inspired stars, decorative stonework and calligraphy inside the prayer hall. These details make the mosque more than a large place of worship. They show how traditional artistic forms can be incorporated into a modern religious building.

The Man Behind the Name

Ahmet Hamdi Akseki lived from 1887 to 1951. A religious scholar and the third president of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, he was known for his work in religious education and publishing and wrote numerous books.

Naming the mosque after him connects the building to the institutional history of religious affairs in modern Türkiye. The site is therefore significant not only for its architecture, but also for its association with the development of religious institutions in the capital.

A Project Begun in 2008

Construction began in 2008, and the mosque opened for worship on 19 April 2013. Its position beside the Presidency of Religious Affairs makes its connection with Ankara’s religious and institutional life particularly visible.

Compared with Kocatepe Mosque and the historic mosques of central Ankara, Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque offers another perspective on how traditional architectural forms have been interpreted in recent decades.

Rather than tracing the gradual changes of a centuries-old building, visitors can see how elements inspired by earlier architectural traditions have been brought together to serve a modern community.

A Great Dome and Seljuk-Inspired Stars

The mosque’s most prominent feature is its central dome, which measures 33 metres in diameter and rests on four large supporting piers. Its four minarets rise approximately 66 metres, giving the building a recognisable silhouette from a distance.

Eight-pointed and ten-pointed star patterns inspired by Anatolian Seljuk art appear in different parts of the design. These geometric motifs recall the emphasis on symmetry, repetition and order found in traditional Islamic decorative arts.

When viewing the exterior, look beyond the size of the dome. Notice how the minarets balance the main structure and how geometric forms recur across different surfaces. These details reveal an architectural composition built from more than one monumental feature.

Calligraphy and Traditional Craftsmanship

Inside, the broad prayer hall combines a spacious layout with traditional decorative arts. The mihrab, minbar, preaching platform and woodwork all contribute to the interior. Traditional techniques such as mother-of-pearl inlay are used on the minbar and preaching platform.

The mosque features original calligraphic works by Hüseyin Kutlu. At the centre of the dome are the first seven verses of Surah Ash-Shams. These inscriptions are not merely decorative; they form part of the religious meaning of the space.

Take a moment to look up when you enter. Notice the scale of the dome, the way light spreads through the hall and how the calligraphy relates to the architectural surfaces. Then look towards the mihrab and minbar to appreciate the craftsmanship at a closer scale.

The mosque remains an active place of worship. Keep your voice low and be considerate of people praying.

More Than a Prayer Hall

Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque forms the centre of a larger complex. According to information published by the Presidency of Religious Affairs, the site includes extensive indoor space, a large courtyard and landscaped grounds. Parking and service facilities support the needs of its visitors.

This layout reflects the way contemporary mosque complexes are designed to accommodate more than the main prayer hall. Entrances, circulation areas and access facilities are all part of making a large building usable by many people.

Planning Your Visit

The mosque is in Ankara’s Çankaya district, near the Bilkent junction on Dumlupınar Boulevard, beside the Presidency of Religious Affairs.

• Location: Dumlupınar Boulevard, Bilkent junction, Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye.
• Suggested visit time: Allow around 30–45 minutes to appreciate the architecture, courtyard and interior decoration.
• Getting there: Public transport serving the Bilkent and Dumlupınar Boulevard area or a car can be used. Check the best route before travelling.
• Admission: The mosque is open for worship; visitor access may vary around prayer times and religious events.
• Dress and etiquette: Wear modest clothing, remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall and avoid disturbing worshippers.
• Photography: Be mindful of privacy and avoid taking photographs in ways that interrupt prayer.

The mosque is not on the same walking route as the historic monuments in Ulus. If you want to compare different periods of Ankara’s mosque architecture, consider visiting it separately alongside Kocatepe Mosque.

A Stop on Ankara’s Modern Architectural Map

Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque reminds visitors that Ankara’s architectural heritage is not limited to the historic centre. Traditional forms continue to shape new buildings in the modern capital.

The large dome and tall minarets may catch your eye first, but the building’s story also lies in its details: the Seljuk-inspired stars, the calligraphy and the use of traditional craftsmanship in a contemporary place of worship.

When you leave, remember it not only as one of Ankara’s large mosques, but also as an example of how an architectural tradition can take on a new form in a modern city.