Azar
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The Yıvli Minaret, which means "ribbed minaret" in Turkish, is one of the symbols of Antalya. This impressive monument of Seljuk architecture was built in the 13th century by order of Alaeddin Keykubad I, the Sultan of the Konya Sultanate, after the conquest of the city in 1207. The architect of the complex was Atik ben Hawala. Initially, the entire complex included a mosque, a madrasa, and a dervish monastery, but only the minaret has survived to this day in its original form. The mosque itself has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, and the mosque that stands today at the foot of the minaret dates back to the second half of the 14th century.
The main feature of the structure is its 38-meter-high minaret, which is unique for its era. The minaret is made of brick and has eight semi-cylindrical grooves (ribs), which give it its name. These reefs create an amazing play of light and shadow that changes throughout the day. The minaret stands on a stone base, and its upper part is crowned by a balcony for the muezzin. Historically, the minaret served not only a religious function, calling the faithful to prayer, but also symbolized the power of the Seljuk Empire on the Mediterranean coast.
Today, the Yivli Minaret Mosque is still active, and the minaret itself is one of the key landmarks of the old Kaleici district. Its slender silhouette can be seen from many parts of the city and is an integral part of the Antalya skyline.