Akdoğan Mosque is a small 15th-century mosque located next to the clock tower in Sivrihisar, reflecting Seljuk-era carpentry with its wooden ceiling and 'tüteklikli örtü' technique; entry is free.
Akdoğan Mosque is a small structure located right behind the clock tower in Kılıç Neighborhood of Sivrihisar. Sources do not fully agree on its dating: cultural inventory records point to the 15th century and Selçuk Bey, father of Timurtaşpaşazade Umur Bey. Some local sources state that the structure dates back to 1174, the Seljuk period. Since there is no construction inscription, the exact date is not clear, but in both cases, it is considered one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia.
The most striking feature of the mosque is its ceiling. Two-thirds of the roof is made with a technique called 'tüteklikli örtü': reeds are visible behind the beams, and the ceiling is entirely wooden. Visitors compare this roof craftsmanship to that of Sivrihisar Grand Mosque, saying that it carries the same wooden mastery, albeit on a smaller scale. The floor is covered with local carpets, and the walls are plain plaster. There is a simplicity that bears the traces of time rather than ostentation.
The structure has been recently restored, and in its current state, where stone and wood stand together, it has gained a more orderly appearance. Some visitors report that the mosque's door is usually locked, but it is possible to enter by asking the surrounding shopkeepers or local people. Most visitors to Sivrihisar spend a few minutes here while touring the clock tower.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Eskişehir, Historical Places, Historical places in Eskişehir, Nasreddin Hodja's House.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Since the mosque is a small and enclosed space, the season is not very critical. For generally touring Sivrihisar, spring and autumn months are more comfortable; in summer, the Central Anatolian heat makes walking tiring during midday. As the mosque door is mostly locked, your chances of finding it open are higher during hours when local shopkeepers are around.
How to Get There
From Eskişehir city center, it takes about 1 hour by bus to Sivrihisar, and a short walk from the district bus station leads to the center. The mosque is right behind the clock tower, which is considered the symbol of the district. Once you find the tower, finding the mosque is not difficult. If you are going by your own car, parking in Sivrihisar center is usually not a problem.
Touring Inside Sivrihisar
Akdoğan Mosque is more of a stop on a Sivrihisar tour than a standalone destination. In the same area, the Grand Mosque, Alemşah Tomb, Kılıç Mosque Minaret, and historic Sivrihisar houses are all within walking distance of each other. These stops can easily be fitted into a half-day excursion.
How Much Time to Allocate
15-20 minutes is sufficient for the mosque itself. If you can see inside, looking at the ceiling details will take a few more minutes. If you plan to visit it along with other historical structures in Sivrihisar, half a day is enough; for just a central tour, 2-3 hours is sufficient.
Suggested Route
A walking route starting from the clock tower, then to Akdoğan Mosque, followed by the Grand Mosque and Alemşah Tomb, makes sense. In Sivrihisar, the hometown of Nasreddin Hodja, it is also possible to add Nasreddin Hodja's House to this route. All these stops are close to the center and do not require a vehicle.
Things to Note
A point frequently emphasized in visitor comments is that the mosque is mostly kept locked. Those who wanted to see inside were able to enter by asking for help from nearby shopkeepers or local people; there is no guaranteed entry time. Even if you cannot enter, looking at the stone-wood details on the exterior facade is still valuable.
For Photography
It is possible to take a shot of the exterior facade together with the clock tower. If you can enter, the ceiling with its reed-beam texture is the most unique photographic subject of the mosque. Due to low natural light, a flash or phone light may be needed.
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