Discover Şereflikoçhisar

Explore Şereflikoçhisar through its architectural history and the district’s landscape. In the town centre stands the Sultan Alaaddin Mosque, also known as the Kurşunlu Mosque. It was built in the 13th century during the Anatolian Seljuk period by the Seljuk ruler Muhiddin Mesud Şah. A town museum in a building with features of the late Ottoman Empire, along with the winter birdlife at Geçitli, expands the focus beyond a single structure. This gives culture and nature enthusiasts a range of topics in the district to weigh differently when planning a trip.

Seljuk Architecture in the Town

The Sultan Alaaddin Mosque has a rectangular floor plan, a wooden ceiling, and a tiled roof. Its notable details include a minbar, or mosque pulpit, dated to 1178. This date precedes the building’s construction in the 13th century. The mosque is considered the first of its kind in Anatolia to have a women’s gallery and a covered courtyard. There are also ancient column capitals at the north entrance, brought from various locations. The combination of these architectural features makes the building a specific point of interest for anyone interested in architecture and religious history.

When visiting the Sultan Alaaddin Mosque, you should choose a time outside prayer times. During Ramadan, Tarawih prayers and other religious events are held there.

The Town Museum and Ottoman History

The Şereflikoçhisar Kent Müzesi is housed in a building whose construction was completed in 1899, during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II. Its architecture features elements of the late Ottoman Empire. The municipality restored the building and opened it as a town museum; it was also placed under protection by the Ankara Regional Council for the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Property. In Şereflikoçhisar, you can therefore encounter two distinct periods of architecture: the Seljuk mosque and the late Ottoman museum building. An appointment should be made to visit the museum.

History in the District and Nearby Parnassos

Şereflikoçhisar’s historical name also tells a story of the past: “Koşhisâr” means “twin fortress.” In the district, Koçhisar Castle is among the historical and tourist attractions. Nearby Parnassos offers another glimpse into the past. An Early Byzantine church was built there in 469–470. Parnassos was also an important stop on a pilgrimage route and a bishop’s seat in the ancient world. The mosque in town and the church near Parnassos thus offer different points of reference for the area’s history.

Tuz Gölü, Winter Birds, and Geçitli

About 500 km² of Tuz Gölü lies within the boundaries of the Şereflikoçhisar district. Near Geçitli, the reservoir remains ice-free in winter and is home to large numbers of overwintering waterbirds, including the globally endangered white-headed duck. Alongside the landscape of Tuz Gölü, seasonal nature is also a focus. If you are particularly interested in birdlife, you can take this winter aspect into account when planning your trip.

There are fish restaurants on the shore of the Hirfanlı Reservoir in Geçitli. If you plan to eat there, check in advance what options are currently available. The Şereflikoçhisar Municipality Tuz Gölü rest area is also located on the Ankara–Adana road.

Which Location Suits Your Plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by deciding what matters most to you: the mosque in the town centre, a museum visit arranged by appointment, or the natural attractions in the district. This lets you choose a location based on your own interests rather than assuming a particular type of stay.

Discover more destinations: Temelli Yenihisa, Kızılcahamam, Polatlı, Beypazarı, Ayaş, Elmadağ, Güzelöz Köyü, Serinyayla Köyü.

For the main travel overview: Ankara.