Aziziye Mosque

The most pleasant time to visit Konya is during the months of April-May and September-October. During these months, the weather is neither scorching hot nor freezing cold; you can comfortably stroll around the bazaar. In summer, Konya can be quite hot, so planning your visit for early morning or late afternoon is much more sensible.

During prayer times, the mosque is closed to visitors. Especially before and after Friday prayers, crowds intensify. Going immediately after the morning prayer allows you to examine the architecture in a quiet environment and take better photographs.

Aziziye Mosque is located right in the center of Konya, in the historical bazaar area. The most practical way is to use the city's tram network, get off at the Mevlana stop, and walk a few minutes from there. Bus lines coming from Konya Bus Terminal or train station to the city center also pass by the mosque.

If you are coming by car, there are paid parking options around the bazaar. Since the Mevlana Museum is already nearby, you can leave your car in the parking lots around the museum and visit both places on foot.

The history of the mosque dates back to 1671. Approximately two hundred years after its completion, the mosque was severely damaged in the great Konya fire of 1867 and was rebuilt during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz. Named Aziziye in honor of the Sultan, the structure was shaped in the Turkish Baroque style, in line with the fashion of the period, during this reconstruction process.

Baroque architecture is a rather rare choice in Ottoman mosques. Aziziye's minarets, facade decorations, and door details distinctly differ from the usual Ottoman classical lines. In the interior, the large dome spanned without columns and the wide windows that let in plenty of light immediately draw attention.

Aziziye Mosque is a very productive stop for those who want to take photographs in Konya. The Baroque decorations of the minarets and the European-influenced details of the facade are best captured with wide-angle lenses. In the early morning hours, sunlight directly hits the facade, offering a suitable window for both architectural and portrait photography.

The general view you get when approaching the mosque from the bazaar side is also impressive; for a photograph framed with the surrounding historical texture, the square opposite the entrance gate offers a good position. Taking photos inside the mosque during prayer times may not be appropriate; it is necessary to be sensitive in this regard.

Since Aziziye Mosque is located right in the middle of the historical bazaar, there are many food and drink options around it. Konya etli ekmeği (meat bread), the first thing that comes to mind when Konya is mentioned, is an indispensable menu item in the bakeries and restaurants within walking distance of the mosque. Konya's unique fırın kebabı (oven kebab) is also among the flavors that must be tried.

Small patisseries and coffee shops in the bazaar are convenient for taking a break between visits. The city's food and drink culture is quite deep-rooted; it is not difficult to find affordable and satisfying options.

Aziziye Mosque, being located in the historical center of Konya, can be easily combined with other important points of the city. In the early morning, first visit the Mevlana Museum, then walk to Aziziye Mosque. Strolling through the historical bazaar right around the mosque is also a pleasant interim experience.

In the afternoon, you can visit Alaeddin Hill and Alaeddin Mosque, and in the evening, you can stop by Karatay Madrasah or Ince Minareli Madrasah. Since all these places are within walking distance of each other, it is possible to see the historical texture of Konya comprehensively in a single day.