Grooved Minaret (Yivli Minare), Antalya, Turkey

The Grooved Minaret Mosque (Yivli Minare Mosque), also known as the Fluted Minaret or Alaaddin Mosque, is the traditional symbol of the city of Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast and one of the symbols of Anatolian Turkish architecture and an outstanding example of multi-domed mosques in Anatolia.

It is believed that the Yivli Minare Mosque in the city is the first and oldest example of Islamic architecture. However, it is also assumed that the mosque was constructed on top of an original mosque or Byzantine church, as the ancient column heads were used in the interior of the mosque.

Visiting Grooved Minaret

Located right in the heart of the city near Kaleiçi (the old town centre of Antalya province), Kalekapısı Square, and Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı), you'll be sure to see the 40-meter (131-foot)-high symbol as you walk around Kaleiçi. Nicely restored in 1955 and again in 2010, the minaret still bears traces of its characteristic dark blue tiles here and there on its exterior walls.

You can visit the 13th-century Seljuk Turkish mosque at the foot of the minaret, which was restored in 2010. There are also other elements of the mosque's külliye (complex of buildings) here, along with various bits of marble and other stones from Roman and Byzantine times. A square building hidden in the verdure was a hamam for the dervish lodge of a dervish order.

The müezzin's balcony is reached by 92 interior steps (not open to the public). However, you can visit the prayer hall of the museum and see the ancient waterway preserved inside. Read our mosque-visiting etiquette article for more information on visiting mosques in Turkey.

Nearby is the grand portal to a 13th-century madrasa (theological college) built, like the Yivli Minaret Mosque and its mosque, on orders of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. The portal has been somewhat restored, and some of the walls of the building behind it are visible, but today, it's filled with souvenir shops. Another portal opposite is smaller and also leads into the Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev Madrasa, which is now completely gone.

Transportation to Yivli Minaret Mosque

To reach Grooved Minaret, you can use public buses or tram lines. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi. It is also within 30 minutes walking distance of the popular shopping center, Mark Antalya, and 15 minutes to Hadrian's Gate.

Moreover, the old Nostalgic Tram of Antalya (please link the new page when published) passes near the Grooved Minaret and serves as a quick gateway to the city's other popular sites, such as Konyaaltı Beach, Cumhuriyet Street, Hadrian's Gate (and Kaleiçi), and Antalya Museum.

Nearby Attractions to Yivli Minaret Mosque

Yivli Minaret Mosque has a central location in Antalya, making it a prime destination for traveling to other popular spots in Antalya. Here are some of the popular tourist destinations near the Yivli Minare Mosque.

Hadrian's Gate: Built-in 130 AD to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian, Hadrian's Gate is one of the oldest structures in Antalya and serves as the main gate for entering the Kaleiçi district of Antalya.

Kaleiçi: Kaleiçi is Antalya's most popular accommodation and souvenir shopping district. It is also the original settlement of Antalya and boasts some of the oldest houses in the city, which are still preserved today.

Karaalioğlu Park: Karaalioğlu Park may not be a significant historical site in Antalya, but it is definitely a must-see attraction when visiting the city. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Mediterranean Sea, attend annual festivals, and take a stroll.

Roman Harbour of Antalya: Antalya's old Roman Harbor has been an intersection for merchants for many years. It is still used as a spot for shopping, dining, and short voyages along the coastline. Definitely worth a visit.

—Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan