Hacı Bayram Mosque

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?
Nearby Attractions

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.

Nearby Attractions

Temple of Augustus and Rome – Ancient Roman ruins adjacent to the mosque
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations – A short walk away, showcasing Türkiye's archaeological treasures
Ulus Square – The heart of old Ankara, bustling with life and history
Ankara Castle – For panoramic city views and traditional craft shops
War of Independence Museum – Inside the first Turkish Parliament building, a key site of national history

Hacı Bayram Mosque remains one of Ankara's most memorable sites — a serene meeting point of faith, history, and everyday life, where visitors can witness the timeless continuity of a city shaped by both the divine and the earthly.

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

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!