The history of mosques in Turkey, is deeply intertwined with the rise of Islam and the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. Before the Ottomans, the Seljuk Empire, which governed parts of Anatolia from the 11th to 13th centuries, introduced early forms of Islamic architecture. However, it was during the Ottoman period (1299–1923) that mosque construction reached its peak, and these edifices became central to both religious and civic life.

The first mosques in Anatolia were often simple structures. As the Ottoman Empire grew, mosque architecture evolved into a grandiose and highly symbolic art form. By incorporating elements from Byzantine architecture, the Ottomans crafted an architectural style that was both distinctively Islamic and yet uniquely Turkish.

The Role of Minarets

Minarets are a hallmark of mosque architecture and hold both religious and architectural significance. Typically tall and slender towers, minarets are used for the call to prayer (ezan), inviting the faithful to their daily prayers. The number and design of minarets often indicate the mosque’s importance. While smaller mosques may have a single minaret, larger and more prestigious mosques, especially those built by sultans, often feature multiple minarets.

Minarets in Turkey often have a pencil-thin design, a signature of Ottoman mosque architecture, with pointed spires that can be seen from miles away. These structures, however, serve not only a functional purpose but also contribute to the visual splendor of Turkish cities.

Iconic Mosques and Minarets Across Turkey

1. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – Istanbul

One of the most famous mosques in Turkey, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, stands in the heart of Istanbul. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, it is an epitome of Ottoman architecture. The mosque is named after the blue tiles that adorn its interior and is one of the few mosques in Turkey to have six minarets, a reflection of its grandeur.

2. Hagia Sophia – Istanbul

Hagia Sophia, arguably the most iconic structure in Turkey , has a long and complex history. Originally built as a Christian basilica by Emperor Justinian I in 537, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The Ottomans added minarets to the structure, signaling its transformation into a mosque.

Today, Hagia Sophia serves as a museum and a mosque, showcasing a blend of Christian and Islamic art. Its four towering minarets—added at different stages—complement its massive central dome, creating a breathtaking silhouette over Istanbul.

3. Selimiye Mosque – Edirne

The Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, built by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century, is considered one of his masterpieces. With its soaring dome and four towering minarets, the mosque was built to surpass even the Hagia Sophia. The minarets, some of the tallest in the Islamic world at nearly 85 meters, are striking in their slenderness and symmetry.

Sinan himself regarded this mosque as the pinnacle of his architectural career. The central dome is meticulously designed, and the four minarets, placed at each corner of the mosque, highlight the building’s balanced proportions.

4. The Grand Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami) – Bursa

The Grand Mosque of Bursa, also known as Ulu Cami, is one of the largest mosques in Turkey and an important early example of Ottoman architecture. Completed in 1399 under Sultan Bayezid I, the mosque has 20 domes, supported by 12 pillars, a departure from the single-dome structure common in later Ottoman mosques.

The mosque has two minarets, each of a different design, which adds to its unique architectural character. It was a prototype for later grand mosques, such as those in Istanbul, but its understated elegance and historical significance make it stand out.

5. Kocatepe Mosque – Ankara

In the capital city of Ankara, the Kocatepe Mosque is a modern addition to Turkey ’s mosque landscape. Completed in 1987, its design follows traditional Ottoman architecture, with four minarets that rise 88 meters into the sky. Though built in contemporary times, Kocatepe’s architecture pays homage to classical Ottoman mosques, with large domes, spacious interiors, and ornately decorated ceilings.

Symbolism and Community Role

Mosques in Turkey are more than places of worship; they are centers of community life. They often feature courtyards, fountains for ablution, and madrasas (religious schools) attached to them. Historically, mosques also served as gathering places for social, political, and educational purposes.

Minarets, on the other hand, symbolize the presence of Islam and serve as a visual and auditory reminder of the faith. The call to prayer, broadcast from the minarets five times a day, ties the rhythm of daily life to religious practice, linking the spiritual with the temporal.

Featured image: Yeni Hamidiye Cami (Mosque) in Fethiye

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Modern Turkey owes much of its foundation to Atatürk—“Father of the Turks,” as he later became known. Revered across the country, his legacy is visible everywhere: statues of him stand proudly in every city, and his image is displayed on the walls of countless offices. For many Turks, showing respect for Atatürk is essential, and making light of his legacy is not tolerated.

Born plain Mustafa

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born plain Mustafa in Ottoman Salonica in 1881. How he acquired his second name has now become embedded in the Atatürk legend. Atatürk himself tells the story.

‘In preparatory school, I developed a special interest in mathematics. I soon equalled, and possibly even surpassed, our mathematics teacher in knowledge of the subject. I started working on problems well in advance of our lessons. I used to put questions in writing, to which my teacher would reply also in writing. The teacher’s name was Mustafa. One day he turned to me and said: “My boy, your name is Mustafa and so is mine. This won’t do. There must be some distinction. From now on you’ll be called Mustafa Kemal.” And that’s how I’ve been known ever since.’ 

The literal meaning of Kemal in Ottoman Turkish is ‘perfection’ and biographers have praised the mathematics teacher for his remarkable prescience.

A new era for Turkey

At the close of World War I, the Ottoman Empire, having allied with Germany, found itself occupied by the victorious Allied powers. The Ottoman government had been defeated, and the sultanate’s authority was shattered.

Amid this turbulent period, Mustafa Kemal, a respected young general known for his undefeated record in the war, emerged as the leader poised to guide Turkey into a new era. During the War of Independence, from 1919 to 1923, he became President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, inaugurated on April 23, 1920. Alongside his Foreign Minister, İsmet Pasha (İnönü), he successfully negotiated the Lausanne Peace Treaty in 1923, which established Turkey’s national borders and secured international recognition of its sovereignty. On October 29, 1923, the Republic of Turkey was officially proclaimed, marking the dawn of a new era.

Becoming a modern nation

Mustafa Kemal launched a series of profound reforms to transform Turkey into a modern nation. Central to his vision was the separation of religion and state, which he saw as essential for progress.

Establishing a Secular State

Under Atatürk’s leadership, faith became a matter of personal choice. Sharia courts were replaced with secular courts, and the religious school system was dismantled. In 1937, secularism was formally enshrined in the Constitution, making Turkey the first predominantly Muslim nation to adopt a secular framework.

Embracing European Dress

Believing Turkey’s future lay with the West, Atatürk eagerly embraced modernity, including the adoption of European styles of dress. This shift symbolized Turkey’s commitment to a new, progressive identity.

The Hat Law of 1925 introduced the use of Western-style hats instead of the fez.

Time and date

In 1925 the International (rather than the Islamic) time and calendar systems were adopted.

A new language

“The cornerstone of education is an easy system of reading and writing. The key to this is the new Turkish alphabet based on the Latin script.”

To boost literacy rates, the Ministry of Education developed a new Turkish alphabet, transitioning from the Arabic to the Latin script. By the close of the 1920s, Tutkey had fully embraced this new alphabet. With its 29 letters—8 vowels and 21 consonants—it eliminated the complexities of the Arabic script, which had been poorly suited to the Turkish language. This language reform allowed both children and adults to learn to read and write within months and made studying Western languages far easier and more effective.

Women’s rights

“Everything we see in the world is the creative work of women.”

Atatürk saw the role of women as crucial to the development of the new Republic. Polygamy was prohibited and he gave women the same rights as men. By 1930 women had been granted the right to vote and in the mid-1930s, 18 women were elected to the national parliament. Later, Turkey had the world’s first women supreme court justice.

In all walks of life, Atatürk’s Turkey has produced tens of thousands of well-educated women who participate in national life as doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, writers, administrators, executives, and creative artists.

The surname law

1n 1934, all citizens had to adopt a surname and Mustafa Kemal was given the name ‘Atatürk’, ‘Father of the Turks’.

The death of Atatürk

Atatürk passed away on November 10, 1938 at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. Atatürk had been suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, a condition that had worsened in his final months, despite extensive medical care.

On 8 November Atatürk fell into a final coma. According to Hasan Rıza Soyak, he addressed his last words to his doctor Neşet Ömer İrdelp. They were “Aleyküsselam” (Peace to you) – the Muslim reply to a greeting. Medical bulletins were issued again, and this time they did not conceal the gravity of the president’s illness. At five past nine on the morning of 10 November 1938, Atatürk died in his bedroom in Dolmabahçe palace. Three Turkish doctors, the commander of the presidential guard and the secretary Hasan Rıza Soyak were at his bed-side. At midday, the news was announced in an official communiqué. Order would be safeguarded, the government promised, and the republic would live on. The assembly was to meet to elect a new president. ~ Excerpt from Atatürk by Andrew Mango

The clocks in the palace were all stopped at 09:05, the time that he died. The clocks outside of his room now are set to the actual time in Turkey, but the clock in the room in which he died still points to 09:05.

His death marked the end of an era for Turkey, as he was the architect of the nation’s independence and a transformative leader who had brought sweeping social, cultural, and economic reforms. Following his death, Turkey entered a period of national mourning, and millions across the country grieved his loss. His body was laid to rest temporarily at the Ethnography Museum in Ankara until his final interment in 1953 at Anıtkabir, a monumental mausoleum built in his honor.

Click here to read the article: In pictures: How Turkey mourned the loss of its founding father Atatürk.

Today, Atatürk is remembered not only as a visionary statesman but also as an enduring symbol of Turkey’s spirit of independence and modernization, and his legacy continues to inspire the Turkish people.

Sources: Atatürk by Andrew Mango/Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the founding of the Turkish Republic

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After the Ottoman Empire’s defeat at the end of World War I, Turkey faced occupation by Allied forces. This sparked the Turkish War of Independence, which began in 1919 under the leadership of General Mustafa Kemal.

Victory Day commemorates the Turkish triumph over Greek forces in the Battle of Dumlupınar, fought from August 26–30, 1922, in Kütahya province in western Turkey. This decisive battle determined the overall outcome of the War of Independence (1919–1923).

Although foreign forces finally left Turkey in the autumn of 1922, August 30 is celebrated as the day of Turkey’s definitive victory. The first celebrations took place in a few cities—including Ankara, İzmir, and Afyonkarahisar—on August 30, 1923, and the day became a national holiday in 1935.

The day also honours Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Victory Day is marked with nationwide celebrations, from joyful gatherings across Turkey to commemorations in the northern part of Cyprus. The main ceremony is held at Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s Mausoleum in Ankara, and the Turkish Armed Forces carry out all promotions on this day. Military schools also hold their annual graduation ceremonies on August 30.

On Victory Day, banks, council offices, and the Turkish stock exchange are closed, allowing citizens to join in the celebrations.

Zafer Bayramı Kutlu Olsun!

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This year, Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the hajj and the second most important religious festivity after Eid al-Fitr, starts on the evening of Thursday, June 5 (arife) and ends on the evening of Monday, June 9.

Government offices, post offices, banks and some supermarkets will be closed during the holiday.

What is the Feast of Sacrifice?

The Feast of Sacrifice is one of the oldest Islamic holidays in Turkey. It commemorates the story (which appears in both the Koran and the Bible) of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who showed obedience to God by agreeing to sacrifice his son. Once God (Allah) saw his faith he spared the boy and sent him a ram to be sacrificed instead.

What do people do?

Traditionally, on the first day of the Feast, men of each family go to a mosque for a special morning prayer. Then the sacrifice ritual begins. Male, healthy, robust animals are preferred, not only because they’re bigger but also because it is considered great misfortune to kill a pregnant beast.

A halal prayer is recited before the animal is slaughtered and the atmosphere is solemn and respectful.

Families share about two-thirds of the animal’s meat with relatives and neighbours, and they traditionally give about one-third to the poor. This is one of the most important aspects of Kurban Bayramı and many poor families rely upon Kurban charity.

The first meal with the Kurban meat is cooked quickly and simply and eaten reverently.

In recent years, some Turkish people started making donations to charitable organizations instead of sacrificing animals. Many people in Turkey take special care to help the poor during the Sacrifice Feast.

People usually wear their best clothes during the Sacrifice Feast. They welcome guests to their homes or visit relatives or friends during the holiday. Many people in Turkey reserve the first day of the feast for visiting their closest relatives. Young people greet their older relatives and neighbours by kissing their hands as a sign of respect.

If you find yourself in Turkey during Kurban Bayramı, the chances are that you will not actually see the sacrifice of animals unless you head off to the rural areas.

How do I wish someone a happy Eid al-Adha?

Much like other religious celebrations, it is customary to send messages and well wishes to family and friends during Eid al-Adha.

To wish someone a happy Eid, you can simply say “Eid Mubarak”, which means you are wishing them a “blessed Eid.”

Here are a few other ways you can greet people during Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha)

“Kurban Bayramınız kutlu olsun” – Have a happy Feast of Sacrifice
“Kurban Bayramınız mübarek olsun” – Have a blessed Feast of Sacrifice

Or the easiest one to remember…
“Iyi bayramlar” – Happy bayram.

How to cook your Kurban meat

Lamb Kavurma is a Turkish national dish of lamb cooked on Kurban Bayramı.

Roasted Lamb (Kurban Kavurma)

Ingredients

Serves 10

2kg lamb chunks

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon thyme

Method

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the meat and cook over medium heat until sizzling. Cover and simmer gently until the meat is cooked (approximately one hour). Turn the meat over occasionally with a wooden spoon.

Add the salt, pepper and thyme and cook for a further 15 minutes

Serve the hot kavurma with a side dish of rice, bulgur salad or vegetables.

Afiyet olsun

“Kurban Bayramınız mübarek olsun” 

Sources: Hürriyet Daily News/World Food Turkey

This article was updated on May 28, 2025.

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I had the good fortune to visit Chora Church (Church of the Holy Saviour of Chora) in Istanbul before it was re-converted to a mosque (Kariye Camii) last year.  

Built as part of a monastery in the 4^th century, Chora Church suffered from the ravages of time, wars, and earthquakes, and has been repaired and renovated many times since.  

In the early 16^th century, it was converted into a mosque and the frescoes and mosaic artwork were covered in plaster.  (Iconic images are not permitted in the Islamic religion.)   

In 1945, the building was converted into a museum and much of the artwork on the walls and ceilings was restored to its former glory.  The museum was opened to the public in 1958 as Kariye Müzesi.  Due to its “off the beaten path” location, the museum was not as popular as Hagia Sofia, but (in my opinion) the artwork is even more impressive.

The building was re-classified as a mosque in 2020.

For additional information about the history of Chora Church / Kariye Camii and a detailed guide to the artwork, visit:

The Byzantine Legacy – Chora:  https://www.thebyzantinelegacy.com/chora

Church of Chora – Istanbul’s Byzantine Marvel:  http://www.churchofchora.com/ 

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Mustafa Kemal is now more commonly known as Atatürk. His precise birthday isn’t known, but in speeches he referred to May 19th as his birthday, most likely he was referring to the acts of independence, but this means the day is also a time to remember his contributions to modern Turkey.

Following the war of independence, May 19th wasn’t celebrated as an event until 1936, when Atatürk himself suggested that May 19th should be remembered with a holiday focusing on the youth and therefore it became a holiday in 1938 when the ‘Festival of Youth and Sports’ was passed into law. In 1981, to mark the centenary of Ataturk’s birth, the holiday was renamed as ‘Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day’.

The Commemoration features state ceremonies and a variety of events throughout the country, with young people reciting poems and singing the national anthem, there are parades and cultural events with dancing and plays.

Young Turkish athletes carry the Turkish flag from a Black Sea port to the country’s capital to commemorate Turkey’s War of Independence (1919–1923)

Because it’s a public holiday, schools and government buildings are closed for the day, as are many businesses and banks.

Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı Kutlu Olsun

Sources: Wikipedia/Time and Date

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Hıdırellez is regarded as one of the most important seasonal festivals in both Turkey and parts of the Middle East. 

Called the Day of Hızır (Ruz-ı Hızır) in Turkey, Hıdırellez is celebrated as the day on which the prophets Hızır (Al-Khdir) and Ilyas (Elijah) met on Earth.

It is believed that Hızır and Ilyas meet on earth only once every year. While Hızır helps and guides people who are in a difficult situation, and also brings abundance, Ilyas is believed to be the protector of the waters.

It is also believed that, as they symbolise abundance, everywhere they step turns green, and everything they touch becomes more fruitful or healed.

Celebrating Hıdırellez

Turkish communities around the world celebrate Hıdırellez as a spring festival on May 6 while Christians in the Balkans mark it as St. George’s day on April 23.

In the folk calendar used by the people, the year used to be separated into two: summer was between May 6 and Nov. 8, known as the “Days of Hızır”, while winter was between Nov. 8 and May 6, known as the “Days of November”. So May 6, representing the end of winter and the start of summer, is a reason to celebrate.

Across the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, different traditions and rituals have developed, many of which are focused on bringing good luck with the arrival of spring.

While differing greatly from country to country, the event is often marked by the cleaning of homes and clothes, feasting or ceremonies held near open water or shrines.

In the evening of the day before Hıdırellez, people write or draw their wishes — such as a home, car or child — on paper and attach it to a branch of a tree (a rose tree) or bury it under the tree, while some throw it into the sea or a river. Some also bury money under a rose tree for abundance.

Meanwhile, it is considered that eating the first lamb of spring leads to health and recovery. Another belief is boiling flowers or plants and drinking the water to heal diseases, and that the water rejuvenates people and makes them beautiful if they wash with it for 40 days.

Among the Roma community in Turkey’s northwestern province of Çanakkale, there are dancers in colourful clothing and people jump over bonfires for good health.

The roots of the celebration pre-date Islam or Christianity.

An “intangible cultural heritage”

This spring festival was added to UNESCO’s list of “intangible cultural heritage” in 2017.

According to UNESCO, “the rituals have deep-rooted cultural meanings and provide the community with a sense of belonging and cultural identity and an opportunity to strengthen relations.”

Have a look at this amazing video of the Hıdırellez celebrations.

Sources: Hurriyet Daily News/Turkey.Home/Wikipedia

This article was first published on 6 May 2019 and updated on 5 May 2025.

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National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) commemorates the inauguration of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in Ankara on 23 April 1920.

In 1921, to mark the event, 23 April was proclaimed a national holiday.

In 1979 the day started to be called “International Children’s Day” and since its first year, Turkey has hosted thousands of children from 150 different countries over the years.

Celebrations in Fethiye

To mark National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, the children of Fethiye take part in celebrations, organised by FETAV, held at the town square, Beşkaza Meydanı.

On 23 April 2019, Fethiye Times went along to enjoy the celebrations and capture some of the moments from the day.

Wreath setting and a parade

The celebrations started with a wreath-setting ceremony in front of the Atatürk monument in Beşkaza Square.

Fethiye Mayor, Alim Karaca, children and parents, accompanied by the Fethiye Municipality Band, then marched from Özgecan Park, along the kordon, to Beşkaza Meydanı (Fethiye Town Square).

On reaching Beşkaza, there were activities by children and for children

In photos: A celebration of children

A final word from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

“Little ladies, little gentlemen,
You are all the roses, the stars and the sparkling joy of our future, the ones who will elevate the nation.
Always be aware of your value and significance!
And work hard…
We have great expectations from you.”

This article was first published on 24th April 2019.

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Eid Prayers and Traditions

Muslims begin Eid al-Fitr with a special prayer known as Salat al-Eid. Unlike regular daily prayers, there is no audible call to prayer for this service. Worshippers gather in mosques or open spaces to perform two units of prayer (Rakat), followed by a sermon in which the imam prays for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for all.

It is customary to wear new clothes for the occasion. On the way to the mosque, many Muslims eat something sweet, such as a date, and recite a short prayer known as the takbeer.

Eid is a time of gratitude, with Muslims giving thanks to Allah for the strength and self-discipline they demonstrated during Ramadan. Key elements of the celebration include giving to the poor (Zakat al-Fitr), exchanging Eid greetings, and spending time with family.

Family, Reflection, and Traditions in Türkiye

A central part of Ramazan Bayramı is visiting family, particularly elderly relatives, and showing respect by kissing their hands. Children often go door to door, greeting elders in exchange for sweets and small gifts of money.

Many families also visit the graves of loved ones, paying their respects and reflecting on those who are no longer present to share in the festivities.

Şeker Bayramı – The Sugar Feast

In Türkiye, Ramazan Bayramı is also known as Şeker Bayramı (the Sugar Feast) because sweets and traditional desserts play a major role in celebrations. Shops and supermarkets are often stocked with chocolates and treats in preparation for the holiday.

On the first day, the emphasis is on sweet foods. Baklava and şerbet (sweet syrup-based drinks) are commonly served, alongside treats such as muhallebi (rice pudding) and şeker pare (sweet biscuits). In addition to desserts, a variety of savoury snacks like nuts, seeds, and pulses are also enjoyed.

Key Information for 2025

This year, Ramazan Bayramı will be celebrated from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced that the Ramazan holiday will be extended to nine days for public employees. As part of this decision, public sector workers will be on administrative leave from April 2 to April 4, following the official holiday period.

During the holiday, government offices, schools, post offices, banks, and some supermarkets will be closed. Travel can be particularly busy, especially on the first and last days, as people either return to their family homes or head off on holiday.

How to Greet Someone During Ramazan Bayramı

The most common greeting among Muslims on Eid is “Eid Mubarak”, meaning “Blessed Festival”. The appropriate response is “Khair Mubarak”, which conveys good wishes in return.

In Türkiye, you may hear people say:

“Bayramınız Kutlu Olsun” – “May Your Feast Be Blessed”

“İyi Bayramlar” – “Good Holidays” (a simple and widely accepted greeting)

“Ramazan Bayramınız Kutlu Olsun” – “May Your Ramadan Feast Be Blessed”

Whatever the greeting, the spirit of Ramazan Bayramı is one of joy, generosity, and togetherness.

Article updated on 27 March, 2025

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The night is one of the most cherished in the religion of Islam. It is described to be better than a thousand months of worshipping

Muslims gather for collective prayers and recite the Quran together on that night.

“Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Destiny, fully believing (in Allah’s promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins,” Muhammad is also quoted as saying.

The gates of heaven are opened wide, angels walk the earth and the demons of Hell are chained in their fiery pits.

It is also a night of forgiveness when good deeds performed are “better than the deeds of 1000 months which do not contain a Night of the Decree.” 

The anniversary of that night or the birthday of the Quran became the holiest moment in the Muslim calendar (Kadir Gecesi).

This year, Kadir Gecesi falls on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, beginning at sunset in the evening and lasting until the following evening:

Click here to read more about Kadir Gecesi

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