Melike Hatun Mosque, Ankara

Mosque in Ankara

Melike Hatun Mosque
Melike Hatun Mosque
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tevfik Teker

Rising near Ulus and the edge of Planty-like greenery around Gençlik Park, Melike Hatun Mosque is one of Ankara's most eye-catching modern religious buildings-bright, monumental, and surprisingly serene once you step inside. The scale is part of the appeal: four minarets, a vast central dome, and a prayer hall that feels intentionally airy, with decorative details that reward a slow look rather than a quick photo.

Even if you're not usually drawn to contemporary architecture, this spot is one of the best places to visit in Ankara because it sits right where the city's layers overlap-old Ankara streets, major boulevards, and the classic Ulus sightseeing circuit. It also fits naturally into a walking tour of Ankara, especially if you're pairing big-ticket museums and citadel views with quieter, atmospheric stops.

History and Significance of the Melike Hatun Mosque

Opened for worship in 2017 and designed by architect Hilmi Şenalp, Melike Hatun Mosque was conceived as a modern landmark that still speaks the familiar visual language of Ottoman-inspired mosque architecture-big central dome, balanced proportions, and a strong skyline presence.

The name honors Melike Hatun, a 14th-century figure associated with charitable endowments in Ankara’s history, and the complex is intended to be more than a single prayer hall. It was built with a civic scale in mind, with facilities that support community life alongside worship.

If you like architectural “numbers,” the building is often described in superlatives: a capacity of around 7,000 worshippers, a dome around 27 metres in diameter, and four minarets rising to roughly 72 metres.

Things to See and Do in the Melike Hatun Mosque

Start outside and give yourself a minute to take in the symmetry-this is one of those mosques where the exterior reads clearly from a distance, especially as you approach from the boulevard side. In late afternoon, the stonework tends to photograph well, and the minarets become a natural “wayfinding” point if you're navigating Ulus on foot.

Inside, the main experience is the calm scale: a broad, uncluttered prayer space, decorative calligraphy, and patterned details that feel crisp rather than overly ornate. Visit between prayer times and you’ll have space to look without feeling like you’re in anyone’s way, which matters in active places of worship.

If you have time, treat the mosque as a pause in a wider Ulus route rather than a standalone mission. It pairs well with nearby history-heavy stops (citadel views, early Ankara streets) and with a simple park break, which helps balance a day that can otherwise feel museum-dense.

How to Get to the Melike Hatun Mosque

Most visitors come via Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), then continue into the centre by taxi, bus, or private transfer depending on your timing and luggage. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ankara on Booking.com.

If you're arriving by rail, Ankara's main station (Ankara Gar) connects to high-speed and intercity services, and from there you can continue by metro/taxi or a straightforward city bus link toward Ulus. You can use the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for Turkey’s national and regional trains operated by TCDD. For a more streamlined experience (especially if you prefer an English interface or want to compare across countries), we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book train tickets across Turkey and the rest of Europe — all in one place.

Within the city, Ulus is the practical target area: the mosque is walkable from several central sights, and a short taxi ride is usually the easiest option if you’re coming from Kızılay or Çankaya. Driving is simple on the main roads, but expect paid parking in the area or use the mosque complex parking when available. If you are looking to rent a car in Turkey I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Melike Hatun Mosque

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Open daily from early morning until late evening; visitors should avoid prayer times.
  • Best time to visit: Aim for mid-morning or late afternoon between prayer times, when the interior is calm and you can linger without rushing.
  • How long to spend: 30-60 minutes is usually enough for a respectful visit, photos outside, and a slow look at the interior details.
  • Accessibility: Generally step-free and visitor-friendly for a large modern mosque, but surfaces and entrances can vary-take it slow if you use mobility aids. (Okul Dışı Öğrenme)
  • Facilities: Ablution areas and restrooms are on-site, and the wider complex area has practical amenities that make this an easy stop to fit into a longer day. (Okul Dışı Öğrenme)

Where to Stay Close to the Melike Hatun Mosque

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Ulus or on the Old Town edge; for dining, nightlife, and easy citywide transport links, Kızılay or Kavaklıdere is usually the smoother choice.

If you want to wake up close to Ankara’s historic core, Divan Çukurhan puts you near the citadel area and makes Ulus sightseeing feel effortless.
Divan Çukurhan

For a more classic international full-service option in a lively central neighbourhood, Ankara HiltonSA is a strong base around Kavaklıdere, with quick hops by taxi/metro to Ulus.
Ankara HiltonSA

If you want a practical, comfortable stay with straightforward transport connections, Hotel İçkale sits in a useful central corridor between major sights and business districts.
Hotel İçkale

Is the Melike Hatun Mosque Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you’re spending time in Ulus or you want a modern architectural counterpoint to Ankara’s older religious and civic monuments. The scale, brightness, and calm interior make it feel like more than a “quick look” stop, even for travelers who don’t usually prioritize religious sites.

It's also a low-friction visit: free to enter, centrally placed, and easy to combine with nearby parks and museums. If your Ankara itinerary is tight, it's still worth it as a short, atmospheric pause that changes the rhythm of the day.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (2,226)

Melike Hatun Mosque, at Hacı Bayram, Atatürk Blv No:19 in Altındağ, Ankara, is praised for its striking exterior and thoughtfully designed, spacious interior; visitors note a blend of Ottoman and Seljuk architectural features, grand domes and minarets, intricate calligraphy and ornate white, gray and gold motifs, plus a large chandelier. Reviewers describe a serene, welcoming atmosphere suitable for prayer or sightseeing, easy access from Ulus station, proximity to Ulus Park and an underground bazaar beneath the mosque reached by an escalator from the courtyard, and many find it photogenic—especially when illuminated at dusk—so dress modestly and respect mosque guidelines.

Antoun Boustani
3 months ago
"As we were walking in the area nearby, we saw this place and we wanted to stop by. We loved its architecture from the outside. It was very beautiful.As I entered the place, I loved how it was designed from the inside. I loved the work done. It was a nice place to see...."
Oleg Gurev
2 weeks ago
"Very beautiful mosque. The third time I come here and can not stop taking photos of this splendid piece of architecture."
Faleh Alrammah
8 months ago
"🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Visited Melike Hatun Mosque in Ankara on April 27, 2025, and I was utterly amazed by its breathtaking beauty and spiritual ambiance. 🕌✨ Fromthe moment I stepped in, the serene atmosphere and stu ing architecture took my breath away. The intricate details of the Islamic art displayed across the mosque were truly a sight to behold. 🎨📸 The mosque’s spacious interior allowed for peaceful prayer and reflection, making it a perfect sanctuary in the heart of Ankara. What struck me most was the warm and welcoming community. 🤲💖 Whether you're there to worship or simply to appreciate its beauty, you'll feel a sense of belonging. For those pla ing a visit, don't miss the chance to see the mosque illuminated at dusk; it's absolutely magical. 🌆✨ To anyone looking for a place of faith or just a tranquil spot to marvel at Ankara's cultural heritage, Melike Hatun Mosque is a must-visit. A true gem in the city that I’m definitely recommending to friends and family! 🌍💕 #TravelLove #AnkaraDiaries #SpiritualJourney Remember to respect the mosque's guidelines and dress modestly to honor its sacredness. 🧕👳‍♂️..."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a good mosque for families because the layout is spacious and the visit can be as short as you need-useful if you’re managing naps, snacks, or unpredictable attention spans. Aim for a quiet window between prayer times so you’re not trying to navigate crowds.

Pair it with a nearby park stop so kids can decompress immediately after, and keep the visit framed as a “look for patterns and shapes” moment-domes, symmetry, and decorative details are easy hooks even for younger children.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the appeal is the atmosphere: calm, light-filled, and visually impressive without feeling touristy. It’s a strong stop if you enjoy architecture and want a reflective break between busier sightseeing blocks.

Plan it around golden hour for exterior photos, then continue on foot to a nearby café area or a viewpoint-based stop so the visit becomes part of a mini-route rather than a single checkbox.

Budget Travelers

Budget-wise, this is ideal: free entry, easy to reach by public transport, and a solid “big landmark” experience without ticket queues. If you’re watching costs, it’s a high-value stop that still feels substantial.

Build it into a walking day around Ulus so you’re not stacking taxi rides. The area is dense with sights, so you can keep your transport spend low and still feel like you’ve covered a lot.

FAQs for Visiting Melike Hatun Mosque

Getting There

It’s in the Ulus area, close to major central routes and the historic sightseeing zone. It’s an easy add-on when you’re already exploring the old quarter.
Link it with Gençlik Park and the nearby museum/citadel corridor, then walk directly across the main boulevard approaches. If you’re unsure, ask locally-people generally know it as a prominent modern landmark.
The fastest option is usually metro plus a short walk or a quick taxi hop, depending on your comfort with transfers. If you’re carrying luggage, a direct taxi is often the least complicated.
Driving can be convenient if you’re combining multiple stops outside the centre, but city traffic can reduce the advantage. For a central day in Ulus, walking and short public transport legs tend to be simpler.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is typically required for the mosque itself, and visits are generally open to the public when it’s appropriate to do so. Treat it as an active place of worship first, tourist stop second.
Booking isn’t usually a thing here unless you’re arranging a group visit or a specialist guided context tour. For independent travelers, just show up at a respectful time.
Dress modestly and be prepared to remove shoes before entering prayer areas. Keep voices low and avoid interrupting people who are praying.

Visiting Experience

Plan for 20-30 minutes and focus on the exterior approach plus a brief interior look. You’ll still get the sense of scale and atmosphere without rushing.
Yes if you’re already in Ulus, because it slots in with minimal detour. If you’re based far away and your day is packed, prioritize your must-sees and treat this as a flexible extra.
Pair it with Gençlik Park and then continue toward the older Ulus highlights like citadel viewpoints or major museums. This gives you a balanced mix of modern Ankara and deeper history.
Yes-the interior is the main experience, and it’s naturally sheltered. The only downside is fewer comfortable photo moments outside.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many self-guided routes around Ulus pass close enough that it becomes a natural stop, even if it’s not the headline attraction. It works well as a “pause point” between bigger-ticket sights.
If you’re especially interested in modern Turkish religious architecture, a guide can add depth. Otherwise, an independent visit is usually sufficient because the space explains itself visually.

Photography

Yes-its scale and symmetry make it very photogenic, especially from angles that include the minarets. Inside, be discreet and avoid photographing worshippers.
Late afternoon tends to give the exterior softer light and more depth. Early morning can also work if you want fewer people around.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s generally more accessible than many older historic sites because it’s a modern complex, but conditions can vary by entrance and crowd levels. If in doubt, approach slowly and use the most direct entrance.
Yes-basic visitor facilities are available as part of the wider complex. If you want a longer break, you’ll also find plenty of options in the surrounding central area.

Nearby Attractions to the Melike Hatun Mosque

  • Ankara Castle (Citadel): A rewarding climb for viewpoints, old streets, and a strong sense of historic Ankara.
  • Gençlik Park: A classic central park for a quick stroll, a breather between sights, and relaxed people-watching.
  • Hacı Bayram Mosque: One of Ankara's most important historic religious sites, with a lively square atmosphere.
  • Temple of Augustus: Ancient Roman remains that highlight just how deep Ankara’s timeline runs.
  • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: The city's essential museum for anyone interested in Anatolia's long arc of history.

The Melike Hatun Mosque appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ankara!

Moira & Andy
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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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Open daily from early morning until late evening; visitors should avoid prayer times.

Price:

Free.

Address: Melike Hatun Mosque, Hacı Bayram, Atatürk Boulevard, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Ankara: 1 km

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