Kılıç Minaret is a stone and brick minaret from the Seljuk-early Ottoman period, located in the Kağnı Bazaar square in Sivrihisar district of Eskişehir, whose wooden mosque has disappeared but has stood since 1244.
When you stand in the Kağnı Bazaar square in Kılıç Neighborhood of Sivrihisar, this structure will first surprise you: there is no mosque in the middle, only a tall, slender minaret. This is why it is popularly known as the Minaret Without a Mosque or the Minaret Without a Masjid. The Kılıç Masjid, which gave its name to the minaret, was built entirely of wood; it succumbed to time and destruction and disappeared. Only this stone and brick minaret remained. Although its construction date is stated as 1244, comments from visitors, based on a nearby tombstone, suggest it might date between 1131-1175.
Two different legends circulate about the minaret's name: According to the first, it was named Kılıç (Sword) because Sivrihisar was conquered by sword and the first sermon was read here leaning on a sword. According to the second, it takes its name from the Kılıç tribe of the Oghuz clans who settled in the region. Architecturally, the cylindrical brick body rising on a square base made of cut stone is a concrete example of the Seljuk tradition being carried into the early Ottoman period. The turquoise green tile bands adorning the body gain a special beauty in the sunlight; the 53 steps inside the minaret ascend in a near-spiral arrangement. With the landscaping by Sivrihisar Municipality, the square has been transformed into an area where outdoor prayer can be performed. Visitors particularly appreciate the photographic composition created when the minaret and the Sivrihisar Clock Tower in the background enter the same frame. Nearby, Zaimoğlu Mansion, Ulu Mosque, and restored historical Sivrihisar houses are within walking distance.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Eskişehir, Historical Places, Historical places in Eskişehir, Nasreddin Hodja's House.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Kılıç Minaret is an open area and can be visited all year round. In spring and autumn, Sivrihisar's historical streets offer a more pleasant atmosphere. In the morning hours, sunlight illuminates the minaret's brick body and turquoise green tiles most vividly; these hours are a good choice for those who want to take photos. In summer, a day trip to Sivrihisar from Eskişehir can easily be made.
How to Get There
Sivrihisar is approximately 75 km from Eskişehir city center. There are regular bus and minibus services from Eskişehir bus terminal to Sivrihisar. Those traveling by car use the Eskişehir-Sivrihisar highway. After reaching Sivrihisar town center, Kılıç Minaret is within walking distance; you can easily find it by typing 'Kılıç Minaret' or 'Mescitsiz Minare Sivrihisar' into map applications.
How Much Time to Allocate
15-30 minutes is sufficient for Kılıç Minaret alone. Sivrihisar, with its historical texture, is a district worth visiting on its own. For those who want to visit Zaimoğlu Mansion, Ulu Mosque, restored historical Sivrihisar houses, and Sivrihisar Clock Tower, planning half a day, or even a full day, is more efficient. It can easily be organized as a day trip from Eskişehir.
Sivrihisar Historical Center Route
You can combine Kılıç Minaret with other historical structures of Sivrihisar and explore them on foot. A route starting from Kağnı Bazaar square, extending to Zaimoğlu Mansion, then to Ulu Mosque, and finally to Sivrihisar Clock Tower offers rich architectural and historical content. All these points are within walking distance of each other. The buildings where the TV series Gönül Dağı was filmed are also located on this route.
Photo Spots
The most striking photographic angle of Kılıç Minaret is the composition from the square entrance, where the Sivrihisar Clock Tower is also visible in the background of the minaret. Visitors particularly like this frame. Looking up from the base of the minaret provides an interesting perspective where the spiral arrangement of the bricks is clearly visible. The surrounding restored historical Sivrihisar houses also create a beautiful background for photos.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Since Kılıç Minaret is an open-air structure, there is no entrance fee and no visiting hour restrictions. The square has been arranged as an area where outdoor prayer can be performed with its landscaping; therefore, respectful behavior is expected during the visit. Some visitors report seeing stray dogs in the square; those with children should be careful about this. Parking a car in Sivrihisar is relatively easy.
What to Eat Nearby
Sivrihisar, being a historical district of Eskişehir province, has limited dining options but is interesting in terms of local flavors. You can find regional tastes of Eskişehir cuisine in small restaurants in the town center. If you are planning a long trip, restaurants in the Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir offer a wider selection on your return to the city.
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