Aziz Mahmud Hudayi Mosque / Sivrihisar

Aziz Mahmud Hudayi is one of the prominent Ottoman Sufis of the 16th century. After spending his childhood and early education years in Sivrihisar, he continued his journey of knowledge; later, he had a large complex built in Istanbul's Uskudar, named after him. This mosque, which he had built in Sivrihisar in 1591, is a lasting symbol of his spiritual connection with his hometown.

The minaret of the structure was added approximately three centuries after the original construction, in 1894. The two bands of ornamentation below the sherefe reflect the stone craftsmanship of the period. The mosque is still actively open for worship today and is among the living historical sites of Sivrihisar.

The most striking feature of the mosque is its 9-domed plan, consisting of a large central dome and surrounding semi-domes. Built in a wooden style, the structure carries a unique simplicity and sincerity characteristic of traditional Anatolian mosque architecture. The wooden craftsmanship is one of the elements that particularly draws visitors' attention in the interior.

When compared with the Grand Mosque in Sivrihisar, both structures are seen as representatives of the Anatolian wooden-pillared mosque tradition. However, the Aziz Mahmud Hudayi Mosque speaks a different architectural language with its domed plan.

While Sivrihisar can be visited in all four seasons, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable period for both weather conditions and exploring the historical fabric. During the summer months, the heat of Central Anatolia can be quite high.

During Friday prayer times, the mosque gains a more crowded and lively atmosphere; visitors wishing to visit at these times are advised to wait until the prayer is over. The hours after the morning prayer are ideal for a quiet visit.

Sivrihisar is approximately 75 km away from Eskişehir city center. Regular minibus and bus services operate from Eskişehir bus terminal to Sivrihisar. Those coming by car can reach the district by using the Eskişehir-Ankara highway and taking the Sivrihisar exit.

The mosque is located in the Karabaşlı neighborhood. After entering the town center, it can be easily found by walking towards the historical bazaar area or by asking locals for directions. Since Sivrihisar's historical structures are within walking distance of each other, it is possible to complete the entire tour on foot after parking your car.

Since the Aziz Mahmud Hudayi Mosque is located in the historical center of Sivrihisar, it can be visited on the same day as other important structures. You can add Sivrihisar Grand Mosque (one of Turkey's most important wooden mosques with its wooden-pillared structure), Sivrihisar Castle, and the historical bazaar area to the same itinerary.

Half a day will be sufficient for a Sivrihisar tour covering all these points. It is easily possible to depart from Eskişehir in the morning and return in the afternoon.

The most impressive external view of the mosque is from angles where its domed silhouette is captured from a narrow street perspective. In the morning hours, sunlight illuminates the minaret and facade with a soft tone. Inside, the wooden craftsmanship and dome transitions offer interesting details for photography enthusiasts.

Due to being a filming location for the popular Turkish TV series Gönül Dağı, this mosque holds a special meaning for series fans and has been frequently shared on social media recently.

Sivrihisar is a district known for its Sivrihisar pide and local pastries. You can find home-cooked meals and local delicacies in small restaurants around the historical bazaar. If you time your visit for lunch, the artisan restaurants in the town's central streets offer a practical option with their daily menus.

The mosque is an active place of worship; during your visit, it is important to observe silence and be respectful when in the same area as worshippers during prayer times. Female visitors are expected to bring a headscarf, and all visitors are expected to remove their shoes.

Entry is free. While the mosque is open during prayer times, please confirm visiting hours with an official source before you go. Photography is generally allowed, but discretion is advised during prayer.