Yivli Minaret, Antalya – The Fluted Symbol of Seljuk Legacy and UNESCO Recognition

The Yivli Minaret (Fluted Minaret), rising prominently in the heart of Antalya’s Kaleiçi (Old Town), is one of the most iconic historical monuments of the city and a masterpiece of early 13th-century Seljuk architecture. With its elegant, eight-fluted cylindrical structure, turquoise tiles, and Kufic calligraphy, the minaret is both a spiritual symbol and an architectural gem of Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast.

Commissioned by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, the minaret was built upon the foundations of a former Byzantine church, symbolizing the historical continuity and transformation of sacred spaces in Anatolia. At 38 meters tall, the Yivli Minaret not only dominates the skyline of Antalya’s old town but also represents the aesthetic and engineering prowess of the Seljuks.

Today, Yivli Minaret stands as the centerpiece of the Yivli Minare Mosque Complex, which includes the mosque, dervish lodges, tombs, and the Antalya Ethnographic Museum. The mosque is one of the oldest in Antalya, still functioning for worship, while the surrounding structures house exhibitions on Ottoman and Turkish daily life, garments, and artifacts.

UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

A key testament to its global significance, the Yivli Minaret was officially submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on April 13, 2016, under Cultural Criteria (ii) and (iv). The application was made by the Permanent Delegation of Turkey to UNESCO, emphasizing the site’s universal cultural value. Located in Antalya Province, Yivli Minaret is considered an outstanding example of Seljuk religious architecture that influenced the development of mosque and minaret design across the Islamic world.

• Criterion (ii): Yivli Minaret exhibits important intercultural exchanges in architecture, linking Byzantine foundations with Islamic forms.

• Criterion (iv): It is a remarkable architectural example illustrating a significant stage in human history, particularly Islamic architectural evolution in Anatolia.

A Gateway to Kaleiçi

Located near Cumhuriyet Square and Kale Kapısı, Yivli Minaret is one of the best starting points for exploring Kaleiçi, Antalya’s atmospheric old town. From here, visitors can easily walk to other attractions like Hadrian’s Gate, Hidirlik Tower, and the Antalya Clock Tower. Its central location, stunning form, and historical importance make it a must-see landmark.

Yivli Minaret is also a favorite spot for photographers. The way it catches the Mediterranean sun during sunrise or sunset offers spectacular lighting, especially when framed by the surrounding red-tiled roofs and narrow streets of Kaleiçi.

How to Get There

From the Antalya Bus Terminal, take the AntRay tram or city buses heading to Kale Kapısı or Cumhuriyet Caddesi. The minaret is a short walk from these stops. It’s also easily reachable by foot from most hotels in central Antalya or by taxi.

Best Time to Visit

Visit between April and June or September and November for ideal weather and fewer crowds. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography and a peaceful atmosphere for cultural appreciation.