Hamamkarahisar Mosque, located in Hamamkarahisar Neighborhood of Sivrihisar, is a Seljuk-era mosque built in 1259 by Emir Seyfettin Kızıl; it was restored and reopened for worship in 2025, and there is a functional historical bathhouse next to it.
Hamamkarahisar Mosque is a structure from the Anatolian Seljuk period, standing in a rural neighborhood of Sivrihisar. According to Culture Portal records, it was built in 1259 by Emir Seyfettin Kızıl. Kızıl is stated to have been the Bey of the Turkmen Bayındır Tribe and one of the three great emirs consulted by Sultan İzzeddin Keykavus of that period. The mosque is considered one of the unique examples showing the transition process to Ottoman architecture in terms of the combination of the main prayer hall and the last congregation area.
The structure remained neglected for many years. Visitor comments mention the need for restoration and damaged parts. However, it is reported that the stone walls are still standing strong and Seljuk traces can be seen. With the restoration work completed by Sivrihisar Municipality in 2025, the mosque was reopened for worship. The opening was attended by the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and various politicians.
Right next to the mosque is a historical bathhouse. Comments state that the bathhouse is still functional, has separate sections for men and women, clean toilets and changing rooms, and its water is considered healing. The village is far from the center and the district; there is only a small grocery store nearby, but the villagers are said to be welcoming.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Eskişehir historical places, Nasreddin Hodja's House.
Guide's Note
History and architecture
According to the Culture Portal, the mosque was built in 1259 by Emir Seyfettin Kızıl. Kızıl is reported to have been the Bey of the Turkmen Bayındır Tribe and one of the three great emirs consulted by İzzeddin Keykavus. The most striking aspect of the structure is the way the main prayer hall and the last congregation area come together: it is considered a unique example reflecting the transition period architecture from Seljuk to Ottoman. Visitor comments mention the cut stone masonry and the atmosphere of the structure dating back to the 1200s.
Restoration process
The mosque remained out of use for a long time; this is why comments mention damaged sections and neglect. Sivrihisar Municipality restored the structure with its own resources and reopened it for worship with prayers in 2025. Another municipal post states that the mosque is approximately 800 years old and that the restoration was aimed to be completed for Friday prayers around July. So, currently, the mosque is visited both in its historical state and its recently renovated condition.
The historical bathhouse next to it
Adjacent to the mosque is a historical bathhouse, and this bathhouse is still in use. Visitors state that the water is considered healing, there are separate sections for men and women, and the toilets and changing rooms are kept clean. Visiting the mosque and spending some time in the bathhouse is a unique experience for this village. Skipping the bathhouse after going just for the mosque would be incomplete.
Transportation
Hamamkarahisar Neighborhood is considered far from Sivrihisar district center and Eskişehir city center. The most convenient way is to go by private car. If there are dolmuş or minibus options, the number of services may be limited, so it is necessary to get up-to-date information from Sivrihisar bus station. A rural landscape accompanies you along the way.
Amenities in the vicinity
There are almost no commercial establishments in the neighborhood other than a small grocery store. It is safer to meet food or drink needs from Sivrihisar center. Comments state that the villagers are friendly and talkative, welcoming visitors warmly.
Other stops in the vicinity
While in Sivrihisar, it makes sense to combine the day with other historical structures such as Hızır Bey Masjid and Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Mosque. You can place Hamamkarahisar as an extension of your Sivrihisar central tour, in the afternoon hours.
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