Melike Hatun Mosque

Located in Erbakan Square in the Ulus district of Ankara, Melike Hatun Mosque is a striking structure that elegantly combines Ottoman, Seljuk, and modern architectural styles. Beyond being a place of worship, the mosque serves as a significant cultural and social hub. As one of Ankara's iconic landmarks of the modern era, Melike Hatun Mosque attracts visitors of all ages with its architecture, interior design, and functionality.

Architectural Features

Melike Hatun Mosque masterfully blends traditional Turkish architecture with modern elements. Covering an expansive 3,600 square meters, the mosque can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers at a time. Construction began in 2013, and after four years of meticulous work, it was opened for worship on October 27, 2017.

🕌 Dome Details

The mosque’s main dome, with a diameter of 27 meters and a height of 43 meters from the ground, offers a majestic interior space. The 8-meter-long copper finial atop the dome adds to the mosque’s grandeur.

☪️ Minarets

Melike Hatun Mosque features four minarets, each standing 72 meters tall. Designed with three balconies, the minarets enhance the mosque’s elegance, especially with their illuminated night-time silhouette.

🛠️ Material Usage

The stonework on the mosque’s interior and exterior façades reflects the classical Ottoman architectural style. The wooden craftsmanship on the doors and entrances, complemented by ivory inlays, gold leaf embellishments, and mother-of-pearl details, lends the mosque an exquisite aesthetic.

Interior Design and Features

The mosque's interior offers a serene and spacious atmosphere. Large windows effectively utilize natural light, adding depth and tranquility to the worship area.

🌟 Woodwork

The entrance doors showcase some of the finest examples of wood artistry. The ivory inlays and mother-of-pearl details on the doors represent a modern interpretation of traditional Turkish art.

🏛️ Lower-Level Functions

The mosque’s lower level goes beyond being a religious space. It houses a 1,000-person conference hall, a foyer area, and a parking garage. These facilities transform Melike Hatun Mosque into a vibrant community center.

Historical Significance: Who Was Melike Hatun?

The mosque is named after Melike Hatun, a prominent historical figure of Ankara. A philanthropist and a devout Sufi from a wealthy family, Melike Hatun lived in the 14th century. She was known for her charitable works, establishing numerous foundations and leaving a lasting legacy in Ankara. Her tomb is located in Taşçılar Street, in the garden of her foundation. The mosque was built to honor her memory and contributions.

Transportation and Visitor Information

Melike Hatun Mosque is centrally located in Erbakan Square in the Ulus district, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.

Public Transportation:

🚌 Bus Routes

The following bus routes have stops near the mosque: 173-1, 185-7, 201-6, 266, 440-5.

🚇 Metro Stations

📍 Ulus Station: An 8-minute walk.

📍 Adliye Station: An 18-minute walk.

📍 M1-M2-M3 and M4 lines pass through these stations.

🚉 Train Stations

📍 Sıhhiye Station: A 13-minute walk.

📍 Ankara Train Station: A 17-minute walk.

📍 BAŞKENTRAY, B22, and B40 train lines stop at these stations.

Melike Hatun Mosque is more than just a place of worship; it is designed as a center of culture and life. With its spacious prayer hall, elegant architecture, and functional features, the mosque represents Ankara’s modern identity while preserving the traditions of the past. It is a must-see for worshippers and tourists visiting Ankara.