Hacı Bayram Mosque, Ankara

Mosque in Ankara

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bernard Gagnon

Set in Ankara's historic Ulus district, the Hacı Bayram Mosque is both a place of worship and a bridge through time. Built in the 15th century, it honors Hacı Bayram Veli, a revered Sufi mystic who founded the Bayrami order and inspired spiritual renewal across Anatolia. With its distinctive red-brick façade and peaceful square, it's one of the top attractions in Ankara - a place where centuries of faith, architecture, and daily life come together in harmony.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
How to Get There
Practical Tips
Is Hacı Bayram Mosque Worth Visiting?

History and Significance

Commissioned during the reign of Sultan Murad II, the Hacı Bayram Mosque was completed around 1427. Its founder, Hacı Bayram Veli, was a poet and philosopher whose teachings emphasized unity, love, and devotion to God. The mosque complex, which includes his tomb, became a major pilgrimage site for followers of Sufism and remains an important center of faith today.

What makes Hacı Bayram truly unique is its location beside the Temple of Augustus and Rome, a relic of the 1st century BCE. Together, the mosque and the temple symbolize Ankara's layered identity - where the ancient world and Ottoman spirituality coexist side by side. Over the centuries, the mosque has undergone several restorations, yet its original charm and tranquil atmosphere remain intact.

Things to See and Do

Visitors can admire the mosque’s blend of Seljuk and early Ottoman design, marked by intricate wooden ceilings, geometric tilework, and a richly decorated prayer hall. Outside, the Hacı Bayram Square is always alive with visitors, vendors selling simit (sesame bread), and families feeding pigeons - a lively yet spiritual scene that reflects Ankara’s local character.

Nearby, you can explore the remains of the Temple of Augustus, where Latin and Greek inscriptions, including the famous Res Gestae Divi Augusti, are still faintly visible. This site is a highlight of any walking tour of Ankara, giving you a sense of how deeply history runs beneath the capital's streets.

How to Get There

The mosque is located in Ulus, one of Ankara's oldest neighborhoods, easily reachable by foot from Ulus Square or by metro (Ulus Station). It's within walking distance of major landmarks like the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Roman Baths. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the calm and golden light
Entrance fee in Euros: Free
Opening hours: Open daily; closed to tourists during prayer times
Official website: kultur.gov.tr
How long to spend: 30-45 minutes
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with gentle ramps
Facilities: Restrooms, benches, and shops around the square
Photography tip: Capture the mosque and temple together for a stunning contrast between ancient and Ottoman architecture
Guided tours: Included in many local walking tours of Ulus and Ankara Castle
Nearby food options: Traditional Turkish eateries and tea gardens around Hacı Bayram Square

Is Hacı Bayram Mosque Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Hacı Bayram Mosque is not just a religious monument - it's a living expression of Ankara's soul. Its spiritual warmth, architectural beauty, and setting beside the Roman temple make it one of the best places to see in Ankara, whether you’re drawn by faith, history, or curiosity. It’s also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ankara, where you can experience how the city’s past and present gracefully intertwine.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (24,397)

Haci Bayram Mosque in Altındağ, Ankara is a landmark Ottoman-era mosque still in use today; visitors praise its peaceful, beautiful interior, pleasant views over the city and kind local people, and note the nearby cafés, shops and park. Many guests stop at the grave of Haci Bayram and find the site spiritually meaningful; families report it's a good spot for a day out with prayer facilities and free underground parking, and visitors highlight accessible entrances such as a lift.

Guelbahar O.

a week ago

"This is an important place to visit in Ankara, especially if you’re interested in history or are a revert interested in the roots of Islam inAnatolia. Hacı Bayram-ı Veli had a huge influence in his time and played a major role in helping many people embrace Islam. For tourists in Ankara, this is definitely a must-see...."

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Syed Ayyaz Hussain Shah

4 months ago

"I loved my visit to the mosque. A lot if history present. New mosque is very beautiful inside. Visited the grave of Haci Bayram and offered fatiha.There are some nice restaurants and shops around to spend time in your own or with family..."

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Qaiser Masood

a month ago

"Amazing veiws, worth to visit, people are really kind in the area"

Kashif Abdul Razzaq Misidia

a year ago

"Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit in Ankara, MashaAllah. We visited here after exploring AnkaraCastle and offered Asar Namaz in this serene environment. The mosque holds great historical significance as one of the oldest mosques in the city, dating back to the Ottoman Empire period. Named after the Turkish Sufi and poet Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, it offers a fascinating blend of spiritual and historical value. The surrounding area is equally captivating. Behind the mosque, you'll find a park with ancient signs of the past, including monuments from the Roman era, over 2100 years old. The traditional handcraft shops nearby add to the cultural richness of the experience. In addition to its beauty and history, Hacı Bayram Mosque offers excellent views of Ankara city. The ♿accessibility is well thought out, with a dedicated 🅿️parking lot and a lift making it easy for everyone to reach the mosque. A must-visit if you're in Ankara!..."

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Search Truth

3 years ago

"Came to visit this mosque and spend the day out with the family on this Sunday. The kids enjoyed the day and had a lot of fun. We were able to prayand get something to eat. All in all it was quality time and spiritual experience. We were able to come by car and it has free of charge underground parking...."

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The Hacı Bayram Mosque appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ankara!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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