Alaaddin Camii, Isparta'nın Uluborlu ilçesinde Uluborlu Kalesi'nin eteklerinde yer alan, 1231'de Selçuklu döneminde inşa edilen tarihi camii. Orijinal minaresi ve mihrabı ayakta kalmış, yan tarafında türbesi ve şehir manzarası bulunuyor.
Alaaddin Camii rises in the old town square in Uluborlu district of Isparta, directly at the foot of Uluborlu Castle. According to its inscription, it was built in H. 629 / M. 1231 during the reign of Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad by Melike-i Adile, daughter of Tugrul Shah and granddaughter of II. Kilij Arslan. Some sources attribute the building to the Hamidogullari Beylik in 1281, during the reign of Seljuk Sultan II. Giyaseddin Mesud. There are minor differences regarding the exact date, but it is indisputable that the mosque has a history of 750-800 years.
The structure has undergone several repairs throughout history. In 1281, Bedrettin Omer bin Emirülhac repaired it; in 1652, a local judge named Vahap Kadi; in 1909 it caught fire and was restored in 1927, with plaster and paint renewed in 1932 by Haci Nuri Altin. Most visitors note, according to the information panel at the entrance, that the minaret and mihrab remain original, while the interior has largely lost its authenticity due to renovations. The mosque has a simpler plan than typical Seljuk mosques, distinguished by its three doors opening to the north, east, and west, single-balconied brick minaret, two domes resting on four columns, and 35 windows.
At the eastern corner of the mosque's front facade lies the tomb of Sherif Hasan, believed to be descended from the Prophet. Visitors recommend not passing by without reciting the Fatiha here. Right next to it are a plane tree, a fountain, and an area for picnicking; comments praising the taste of the fountain water stand out. The building may be locked outside prayer times, which is why some visitors have written that they went twice without being able to enter. If there's no mosque attendant, calling the phone number on the panel and politely requesting entry may work.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
The mosque is open during prayer times, with the most guaranteed entry being around noon or afternoon prayer hours. At other times, the door may be locked; some visitors have written that they went twice without being able to enter. Spring and autumn months are more suitable both for temperature and for walking at the castle. In summer, bee activity may increase in the picnic area in the garden; be careful with open food.
How to Get There
The mosque is located in the old town square in Uluborlu district center, directly at the foot of Uluborlu Castle. It takes approximately 45 minutes by private vehicle from Isparta center. Once you reach Uluborlu, the castle and mosque are within walking distance. Those traveling by public transport can use minibuses from Isparta bus station heading to Uluborlu.
What's Around
Alaaddin Camii is not alone but part of a small historic cluster. Immediately next to it is Uluborlu Castle, behind it are ancient city ruins, and nearby are the Cirimbolu water aqueduct and an old minaret standing alone. Also worth adding to your tour list are Bulbul Mosque, Garden Mosque, Stone Madrasa, and the Lions Fountain in Uluborlu. This square is the central point of the district's historic tour.
How Much Time to Allocate
20-30 minutes is sufficient for the mosque itself. If you also plan to climb the castle and add the water aqueduct and ancient city ruins to your visit, you may need to allocate half a day. Even for those unable to climb the castle, this location is considered worthwhile on its own for its city views and historic character.
Route Suggestion
First visit the mosque and the adjacent tomb, then get water from the fountain in the garden. Then head up to the castle and enjoy the view of Uluborlu from the top. If you have time, also visit the Cirimbolu water aqueduct and ancient city ruins. For those coming from Isparta, it's possible to create a route that fits Egirdir Lake on the same day, though the distance may be a bit long.
Things to Note
The mosque may be locked outside prayer times. The attendant's phone number is on the panel at the entrance; if you can't reach anyone, you may have to settle for viewing the architecture from outside. The picnic area in the garden may have bee problems in summer months; don't leave open food. If you plan to climb the castle, wear suitable shoes as the ground may be uneven.
Photo Spots
When viewed from the south side of the mosque, the old minaret standing alone comes into frame. Thanks to its hilltop location overlooking the city, it's possible to capture both the mosque and the general view of Uluborlu in the same shot. The plane tree and fountain in the garden are also good options for close-up shots.
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