Ayaş: Mosques, Thermal Traditions and Via Tauri

Ayaş is known for its historic buildings, the Via Tauri pilgrimage route, thermal traditions and distinctive local events. These different facets offer various starting points for planning your trip: you may be interested in mosque architecture and old roads, places associated with thermal water, or paragliding flights with views of Ayaş. An annual mulberry festival is also part of local life.

Historic Traces in Ayaş

Ayaş lies on a main section of the historic Via Tauri pilgrimage route. It ran from Istanbul through Tarsus to Jerusalem. This connection to the route also makes Ayaş interesting for travellers who like to discover places through their historical connections. Ayaş’ historic houses and streets are like an open-air museum.

Among the notable buildings is the Ulu Mosque on Belediye Square. It is considered the oldest and largest mosque in the city; based on its architecture, it is dated to the 15th century. Two other mosques date back to the 16th century: the Şeyh-Muhyiddin Mosque and the Bünyamin-Ayaşi Mosque are both in the city centre and were built during this century. Those interested in religious architecture will find different buildings and dates here as tangible starting points for learning about Ayaş’ history.

Kırkevler is also mentioned alongside other historic buildings in the area around the Ayaş stream. It adds a connection to the stream’s surroundings to the references to the area’s architectural history. The Ayaş Foundation exhibits ethnographic and archaeological objects at Paşa Hamamı. The historic hammam thus features both in connection with Ayaş’ thermal traditions and as a place with exhibits; these two aspects give culture-minded travellers different reasons to explore the building.

Thermal Traditions and Views

Ayaş is known for its healing drinking waters and thermal baths. The historic Paşa Hamamı and Karakaya Kaplıca are particularly noteworthy. Karakaya is also the name of an area in central Ayaş associated with healing water. These references to local places make thermal traditions a distinct facet of Ayaş, alongside its historic buildings and roads.

Those looking for an active way to experience the surroundings will find a different focus within the municipality: paragliding takes place at Kumludoruk Tepesi. Flights take off from an area 450 metres high and offer views of Ayaş.

A Local Event and Choosing Accommodation

A mulberry festival is held in Ayaş every year.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ayaş, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: are you particularly interested in mosque architecture and historic roads, thermal waters and baths, or the views from a paragliding flight? These interests can help shape your trip around the experience you want, without combining the different places into a single walking tour. For families planning together, Ayaş offers a range of cultural, tradition-related and active themes to discuss before choosing accommodation.

Other destinations for reference: Yıldırımbeyazıt Mahallesi, Ankara, Temelli Yenihisa, Kızılcahamam, Polatlı, Beypazarı, Karahisar, Dikmen.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Ankara.