The Alâeddin Mosque is the principal Seljuk mosque of Konya and the oldest important building still standing in the city. It was begun in the mid-twelfth century under Sultan Mesud I and completed in 1221 by Alâeddin Keykubad I, who gave it his name. The mosque sits on top of Alaeddin Hill, the ancient citadel mound at the heart of the old town, with sweeping views in every direction.
The interior is a forest of reused columns of every type and period — Roman, Byzantine, early Islamic — supporting a wooden flat roof of dark cedar. The mihrab is in carved marble, and the original twelfth-century minbar (pulpit), in inlaid ebony, is one of the finest surviving from the Seljuk period and a celebrated piece of medieval Islamic woodwork. Around the courtyard are several mausolea: the türbe of the Seljuk sultans, with its conical roof and bands of dark turquoise tiles, holds the remains of eight sovereigns.
The mosque is fully working; respectful, modest dress and quiet are expected, especially during prayer times. The exterior is best photographed in late afternoon when the western light catches the marble portal.