The Alaaddin Mosque, Ankara

The Alâeddin Mosque stands as the main historical structure atop Alaaddin Hill, situated in the heart of Konya. It was an integral part of the hill's fortification complex, which also housed the Seljuk Palace. This mosque served as the primary prayer hall for the Seljuk Sultans of Rum, with the tombs of several sultans located within its courtyard. The mosque, the largest of the remaining Seljuk mosques in Konya, was built in multiple phases from the mid-12th to mid-13th century. It is named after Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I.

The initial groundwork for the mosque was laid by Seljuk Sultan Mesud I in 1155, although evidence suggests its existence as early as 1120. Elements like the polychrome ceramic mihrab frame and its domed structure might have originated during this earlier period. Notably, the eastern wing of the mosque, featuring columns and capitals borrowed from Byzantine sources, exhibits a unique openness and spaciousness.

Mesud I's successor Kılıçarslan II continued mosque construction. In 1219, Kaykaus I renovated it, moving the entrance north, adding a grand facade, and starting a marble tomb. Kaykaus passed away, and Alaaddin Keykubad I took over, making changes, and in 1235, he added a spacious chamber to the east of the mihrab, supported by 42 columns.

The mosque's courtyard features two quintessential Seljuk tombs, known as "kümbets," one of which was constructed by Kilicarslan II and still retains some of its original blue tiles on the roof. The base of the roof on one of these tombs bears an inscription from the Qur'an known as the "throne verse."