Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque

To visit Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque, it is advisable to choose hours outside of prayer times to ensure comfort for both you and the worshipping community. The period after morning prayer and before noon, as well as the interval between afternoon and evening prayers, are the most suitable times to explore the mosque's interior in peace.

Due to its status as a protocol mosque, the crowd significantly increases during Friday noon prayers; those planning to visit at these hours will have a more enjoyable experience if they come before or after. In summer months, early mornings are both cool and offer beautiful light hitting the mosque's dome and minarets.

The mosque is located on Dumlupınar Boulevard in Ankara's Çankaya district, at the Bilkent junction. For those wishing to reach by public transport, the most practical option is the Ankara metro; you can get off at Bilkent metro station and reach the mosque with a short walk.

Many urban bus lines operating along the Dumlupınar Boulevard route also connect closely to the mosque. There is a large parking area available for those arriving by private car, so parking is not an issue. Since the mosque is right next to the Presidency of Religious Affairs building, finding the address is quite easy.

The story of Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque dates back to the Mosque Projects Consultation Meeting jointly organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs and the Foundation for Religious and Social Services in 2006. At that meeting, the idea of building a mosque on the plot at the Bilkent junction began to take shape. The foundation was laid in 2008, and after approximately 4.5 years of intensive construction, the building opened its doors in 2013.

The mosque's architect, Salim Alp, drew inspiration from the classical Ottoman mosque tradition in his design, while blending contemporary materials and engineering understanding to create an original synthesis. The 33-meter main dome is one of the largest examples in Turkey in this field. The structure is conceived as a comprehensive külliye (complex) consisting of four minarets, a large courtyard, and various social facilities. Ahmet Hamdi Akseki (1887-1951), after whom the mosque is named, was an important religious scholar who served as the third President of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.

The most impressive external view of the mosque is obtained from the Dumlupınar Boulevard side. This angle, where the four minarets and the giant dome are framed together, offers captivating shots, especially in the early morning or during the golden hour. If you are using a wide-angle lens, stepping back a bit is enough to capture the entire facade of the mosque in a single frame.

Inside, the moments when light filters through the 147 windows and hits the dome are a favorite for photography enthusiasts. At noon, as the light enters directly, the dome details are most clearly visible. The mihrab and minbar are also strong compositional points; however, remember to show respect to the congregation when taking photos during prayer times.

Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque is an active place of worship, so certain rules must be followed during your visit. It is mandatory to remove your shoes when entering the mosque; shoe racks are available at the entrance. Visitors wearing shorts or sleeveless clothing are expected to ensure appropriate covering.

There is a special prayer section reserved for women. Groups visiting as part of a school trip should schedule their visits outside of prayer times to create a more peaceful environment for both students and worshippers. Maintaining silence inside the mosque and not using flash when taking photos are considered basic rules of etiquette.

The area around the Bilkent junction where the mosque is located, along the Dumlupınar Boulevard axis, offers various cafe and restaurant options. It is possible to find dining establishments suitable for every budget in the nearby Bilkent University campus and surrounding shopping centers.

Especially if you head towards the inner districts of Çankaya after completing your mosque visit around noon, you can find restaurants offering traditional Ankara cuisine. For those who want to try local delicacies specific to Ankara, such as testi kebabı (pottery kebab) and Ankara tava (Ankara pan), many well-established restaurants near the city center can be preferred.