History of Yivli Minaret Mosque

Yivli Minaret Mosque, also known as the Antalya Grand Mosque, is one of the earliest Islamic structures in Antalya and dates back to the 13th century Seljuk period. Located in Kaleiçi along Cumhuriyet Street near Kalekapısı Square, it serves as a defining feature of the city's skyline.

The origins of the mosque date to the early 13th century. Following the Seljuk conquest of Antalya in 1216, a mosque was constructed around 1230 on the site of a ruined Byzantine church. The minaret was likely commissioned during the reign of Alaaddin Keykubad I, a ruler known for his architectural patronage across Anatolia.

The original mosque was either destroyed or fell into disrepair during the 14th century. In 1373, it was rebuilt by Mehmet Bey of the Hamidids dynasty. Over time, the structure served various functions, including housing the Antalya Museum during a period in the 20th century.

The mosque features a rectangular plan and reflects early multi-domed religious architecture in Anatolia. Its prayer hall is covered with six domes arranged in two rows, supported by twelve columns with reused capitals likely from Roman or Byzantine-era buildings. The walls are constructed of finely cut stone.

The most distinctive element of the complex is the 38-meter-high minaret, which rises from a massive square stone base. The shaft is divided into eight fluted sections made of red brick and was originally covered with turquoise and dark blue tiles, of which fragments remain visible.

The complex includes several structures: the Yivli Minaret, Yivli Mosque, Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev Madrasah, Seljuk Madrasah, Mevlevihane, Zincirkıran Tomb, and Nigar Hatun Tomb.

The Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev Madrasah was built in 1239 by Atabey Armağan in the name of II. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev. Across its door lie the remains of the Seljuk Madrasah, believed to be a 13th-century structure.

Zincirkıran Tomb, located to the north of the minaret on the upper garden, is built in the Seljuk style. However, its plain exterior surface and windows give it the character of an Ottoman tomb. Built in 1377, it protects three graves.

Nigâr Hatûn Türbesi is situated north of the Yivli Mosque. Built on a hexagonal plan with a plain appearance, this Seljuk-style tomb dates from 1502. To its west is the Mevlevihane, believed to have been commissioned by I. Alâeddin Keykubad in 1225 and currently used as a fine arts gallery.

Restoration efforts were carried out on the mosque in 1953 and 1961, with further extensive work completed between 2007 and 2010. During the latest restoration, historic water channels were uncovered beneath the structure and are now visible through a glass floor section.