Sarnıçköy Village: Mosque, Village Square and History

Sarnıç has an unusually specific architectural history: the Mescid-i-Aksa Mosque combines a design connection to Jerusalem with a striking modern silhouette; the former village mosque and its redesigned grounds tell the story of further architectural changes. A second perspective can help with planning your trip: Sarnıç is one of Bornova’s former rural settlements, while Çiçekli Nature Park offers a distinct natural setting in the wider area. Local history and regional nature are thus different interests that come together here.

Mosque Architecture with Links to Jerusalem

The Mescid-i-Aksa Mosque in Sarnıç was designed under the influence of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. At the same time, with its striking silhouette, it is considered a modern example of civic architecture. The Jerusalem connection provides a cultural anchor for the design history, while the architectural classification highlights another aspect of the building. Architecture enthusiasts can thus consider both a named source of inspiration and a modern appearance.

Its construction is also part of local history: the mosque was completed and opened following requests from residents. This adds a local initiative to the story of its design. The architecture and construction history therefore offer different points of interest for anyone interested in Sarnıç’s built culture.

From Village Mosque to Public Square

The former Sarnıç village mosque offers a glimpse into another period. It was built in 1967 using traditional masonry construction. Masonry is a building method in which components are joined together to form walls. The year and construction method give the history of the former mosque specific contours and provide a distinct architectural accent alongside the modern civic architecture of the Mescid-i-Aksa Mosque.

The grounds of the former mosque were redesigned as a village square with a bust of Atatürk and a flagpole. The bust and flagpole mark the square as a public place with symbolic significance. The focus thus shifts from the building to the redesigned grounds: local history encompasses both the former mosque and the subsequent redevelopment of its site. Sarnıç’s status as one of Bornova’s former rural settlements provides a historical context for this architectural change.

Natural Areas in the Bornova Region

Çiçekli Nature Park in the Bornova area includes maquis shrubland and black pine forests. Wildlife there includes wild boar, jackals and foxes; birds of prey such as goshawks, short-toed snake eagles and sparrowhawks are also observed. Maquis and forest represent two different types of vegetation, while the examples of wildlife add mammals and birds of prey to the natural setting. This gives nature-focused travel a specific regional context, distinct from Sarnıç’s local and architectural history.

Choose a Focus for Your Holiday Rental

When searching for a holiday rental in Sarnıçköy Village, your trip’s main focus may help you decide: are you mainly interested in Sarnıç’s architectural and local history, or would you also like to take in the natural areas of the wider Bornova region? Base your choice on the topics and destinations you actually plan to explore, and check the location of a specific accommodation against your itinerary. If you are travelling with children, deciding together between cultural history and nature can be a helpful starting point for planning.

Discover more destinations: Kuşçular, Alaçatı, Aliağa, İzmit, Ilica, Seferihisar, Doganbey, Orhanlı.

View the broader travel guide: Izmir.