History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Yivli Minare Complex is the world-famous symbol and silhouette of Antalya, gifted to the city by Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev I, who conquered Antalya in 1207 and put the first Turkish-Islamic seal on the city, and then Alaaddin Keykubad I, who had the building rebuilt in 1230. The 38-meter-high minaret has gained a unique monumental aesthetic with its 8 half-cylindrical grooves decorated with turquoise and cobalt blue glazed Seljuk tiles. Within the complex, there are Yivli Minaret Mosque (one of the oldest multi-domed mosques in Anatolia, with 6 domes), Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev Madrasa, Nigar Hatun Tomb, Zincirkıran Mehmet Bey Tomb and Mevlevi Lodge. According to local legends, the minaret's grooves reaching towards the sky symbolize Islam's belief in monotheism; Ships approaching the city from the sea would find their way and salute by seeing the shine of the turquoise tiles of the minaret in the storm. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The social complex is built on a large archaeological terrace on the cliff slope leading from Kalekapısı square to the marina, at an altitude of approximately 30 meters above sea level. Antalya Harbor and the Mediterranean horizon can be viewed from a fascinating angle from the complex. Centuries-old plane trees, olives and Mediterranean cypress trees create shade in the courtyard. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Entrance to the courtyard of the historical mosque and social complex is completely free; The Ethnography Museum section within the complex is free or with a nominal fee.•Visiting Hours and Days:The mosque is open for worship from morning prayer to night prayer; The courtyard of the social complex and the tombs can be visited 7 days a week between 08:30 - 19:00.•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: They are active places of worship and ancestral tombs; Decency, dignity and silence must be maintained, appropriate dress etiquette (clothes covering the shoulders and knees, headscarves for women) must be observed and the Fatiha must be recited to the martyrs of the conquest; The courtyard is accessible via a disabled ramp.•Facilities and Facilities:There are ablution facilities, historical fountains, men's and women's WCs, rest benches and information signs within the mosque. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Selçuk Mahallesi, İskele Caddesi No:1, Kalekapısı Yanı, 07100 Muratpaşa / Antalya.•Road Conditions and Vehicle Availability: It is located in the city center, right next to Kalekapısı; It is in the pedestrian zone, it can be reached in 1 minute by walking from the main arteries.•Real Public Transport Information:It is 100 meters away when you get off at Nostalgia tram 'Kalekapısı' stop or AntRay 'İsmetpaşa' stop; It is the central transit point of all city buses.•Parking Availability:You can leave your car in the Cumhuriyet Square indoor car park and walk. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: Performing the two-rakat tahiyyatu'l-masjid prayer between the 800-year-old columns of the mosque and reciting the Fatiha at the tombs of the Seljuk conquerors is a deep-rooted spiritual tradition.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:The turquoise tiles and Seljuk inscriptions of the 38-meter fluted body should be photographed without disturbing the worshipers.•Important Commemoration Days:Conquest prayers and commemoration programs are held in the complex in March, which is the anniversary of the conquest of Antalya.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:You should taste Antalya-style doner kebab and charcoal-cooked Turkish coffee at the historical doner shops in Kalekapısı after leaving the social complex.