Hazinedar Mosque is a small mosque in Sivrihisar, built in 1274 by Necibiddin Mustafa, the treasurer of the Anatolian Seljuks, featuring the first known Kaaba fresco in Anatolia in its mihrab and adorned with 15th-century miniatures.
Hazinedar Mosque is located in the Sivrihisar district center, slightly below the bazaar. The structure was built in 1274 by Necibiddin Mustafa, the treasurer of the Anatolian Seljuk state, in his own name. From the outside, it draws attention with its cut stone masonry and simple mass; the landscaping, greenery, and seating areas are also positively noted by visitors. The mosque is minaret-less; the reason for this is said to be that the students of Hazinedar Madrasah used the building as a classroom. Hoşkadem Mosque was built right next to it to meet the need for the call to prayer.
The interior space is of primary importance. The Kaaba fresco above the mihrab is the first known example of this motif made with fresco technique in Anatolia. The inner walls are covered with miniatures and calligraphic inscriptions dating to the 15th century. With these features, the building was the subject of a separate paper at the International III. Congress of Turkish Arts held in Cambridge in 1967. The tombs of Necibiddin Mustafa and Esma Sultan, sister of Emineddin Mikail, are located in front of the building. In front, there is a fountain, a tomb, and a small park.
The issue of access is important. Visitors say the mosque is mostly closed. A few visitors report being able to see inside by asking the imam of the adjacent Hoşkadem Mosque. If you want to see inside, try going around noon or afternoon prayer times and ask the imam if he is there. Even from the outside, the structure is worth examining; but passing by without seeing the mihrab fresco would be incomplete.
Guide's Note
Why is it Important?
There are many Seljuk mosques in Turkey. One thing distinguishes Hazinedar Mosque from the others: the Kaaba fresco in its mihrab. This structure contains the first known example of a Kaaba motif made with fresco technique in Anatolia. The fact that it was discussed in a separate paper at the International III. Congress of Turkish Arts in Cambridge in 1967 demonstrates the significance of the building from an art historical perspective.
The interior features 15th-century miniatures and calligraphic inscriptions. The building is small, but every surface is adorned. Encountering such intensity within the simple cut stone mass that appears plain from the outside is surprising.
History of the Structure
The mosque was built in 1274 by Necibiddin Mustafa, the treasurer, or finance minister, of the Anatolian Seljuk state, in his own name. The title 'Hazinedar' (Treasurer) directly gave its name to the building. The explanation for its minaret-less state is that the building was used as a classroom by the students of the adjacent Hazinedar Madrasah. A separate minaret was not needed for the call to prayer; instead, Hoşkadem Mosque was built right next to it.
The tombs of Necibiddin Mustafa and Esma Sultan, sister of Emineddin Mikail, are located in front of the building. With its fountain, tomb, and small park area, it has the appearance of a complete complex.
When to Visit?
There are no designated visiting hours for the mosque, and the door is mostly locked. Visitors especially recommend noon and afternoon prayer times; the imam is more likely to be present at the adjacent Hoşkadem Mosque during these hours. The risk of finding the door closed increases in the late afternoon.
When planning your Sivrihisar trip, it makes sense to combine Hazinedar Mosque with Ulu Mosque, Hoşkadem Mosque, and Tütün Street; all are within walking distance.
How to Get There?
Sivrihisar is approximately 90 km from Eskişehir. There are regular bus services from Eskişehir bus terminal to Sivrihisar. By private car, the journey between Eskişehir and Sivrihisar takes about 1 hour. From Ankara, it's about 1.5 hours.
The mosque is in the district center, in the lower part of the bazaar. Parking near Sivrihisar square or Ulu Mosque and walking is the most practical way to reach it. Since it's slightly below the bazaar, it might be overlooked on the first visit; asking a local will make it easier.
Photo Spots
The best shot from the outside shows the cut stone facade along with the tomb and fountain in front. The surroundings have been landscaped; greenery and seating areas add depth to the composition.
If you can enter, the Kaaba fresco above the mihrab and the miniatures on the walls are the main subjects. The space is small and light is limited. Instead of relying on phone flash, utilizing natural light during noon hours yields better results.
What to Eat Nearby?
In Sivrihisar's local cuisine, okra soup, stuffed grape leaves, and güveç (casserole) stand out. Flour halva is also among the regional specialties. These dishes can be found in restaurants in the district center; small family-run businesses are more prevalent than large restaurants.
Sivrihisar Itinerary Suggestion
It's easy to combine Hazinedar Mosque with other structures in Sivrihisar. First, Ulu Mosque: the wooden hypostyle structure on the UNESCO list is quieter in the morning. Then, Hazinedar Mosque and the adjacent Hoşkadem Mosque. There are a few old houses on Tütün Street; Bodur Mosque is also on this route. In the afternoon, Sivrihisar Clock Tower and Metin Yurdanur Open-Air Sculpture Museum. One day is enough to fully explore the area; two days for those who want to delve deeper.
Things to Note
The door issue is a real problem. Multiple visitors have found the door locked at different times; one at 3:00 PM in the afternoon, another in the morning. Consulting the imam of the adjacent Hoşkadem Mosque emerges as the most effective method; some have gained entry this way.
The mosque is an active place of worship. When entering, it is necessary to remove shoes and remain silent. There is information that it was historically reserved for women during Ramadan; the current situation may need to be confirmed on-site.
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