Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque

Located in the historic center of Ankara, at the southern end of Ankara Castle, the Arslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque is one of the city's significant structures surviving from the Seljuk period. Built in the late 13th century, the mosque holds an important place in Ankara's cultural heritage with its historic location and unique architecture.
The most prominent feature of the structure is its interior, formed by wooden pillars and beams. Contrary to its plain exterior appearance, the woodwork comes to the fore in the interior section. The wooden ceiling and load-bearing system are characteristic elements reflecting the architectural understanding of the period.
The mosque's mihrab and wooden minbar are also remarkable in terms of art history. Featuring mukarnas, tile mosaic, and plaster decorations, the mihrab carries the characteristics of Seljuk art. Meanwhile, the minbar made of walnut wood is among the standout sections of the structure with its fine carving craftsmanship.
The name "Arslanhane" is associated with an ancient lion statue found on the wall of the tomb complex near the mosque. The presence of architectural fragments from different periods around the structure also reveals the traces of the cultural accumulation Ankara has carried throughout history.
As one of the important examples of medieval wooden hypostyle mosques with wooden pillars and beams, the Arslanhane Mosque was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023 under the scope of "Medieval Wooden Hypostyle Mosques of Anatolia."
Today, as one of the important parts of the historic fabric surrounding Ankara Castle, the Arslanhane Mosque is a valuable cultural asset that together reflects Seljuk architecture, woodwork, and Ankara's multi-layered past.