Şereflikoçhisar can be explored through two distinct focal points: the history of architecture in the town center and the landscape across the wider district. The Sultan Alaaddin Mosque takes you back to the Anatolian Seljuk period; the Şereflikoçhisar Kent Müzesi displays features of the late Ottoman Empire. The district also offers Tuz Gölü and winter birdlife at a reservoir near Geçitli. So there is plenty to explore, from historic buildings to the district’s natural surroundings.
Sultan Alaaddin Mosque in the town center
The Sultan Alaaddin Mosque, also known as the Kurşunlu Mosque, is located in the town center of Şereflikoçhisar. It was built in the 13th century during the Anatolian Seljuk period by the Seljuk ruler Muhiddin Mesud Şah. Its rectangular layout, wooden ceiling, and tiled roof are among its defining architectural features. Ancient column capitals brought from various locations can be found at the north entrance. The furnishings include a minbar dated to 1178. In Anatolia, the mosque is regarded as the first building of its kind to have a women’s gallery and a covered courtyard.
The date 1178 refers to the minbar; the mosque was built in the 13th century. This distinguishes the two historical dates and the objects they refer to. For your visit, choose a time outside prayer hours. During Ramadan, Tarawih prayers and other religious events are held in the mosque.
Town museum in a building dating from 1899
The Şereflikoçhisar Kent Müzesi is housed in a building whose construction was completed in 1899 during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II. The building displays architectural features of the late Ottoman Empire. The municipality restored it and opened it to visitors as a town museum. You should arrange an appointment to visit the museum. Together with the Seljuk mosque, the museum illustrates a different period of architectural history: the museum focuses on the late Ottoman Empire, while the mosque represents the Anatolian Seljuk period.
Tuz Gölü and winter birds in the district
About 500 km² of Tuz Gölü lie within the boundaries of Şereflikoçhisar district. The reservoir near Geçitli offers another natural setting: it remains ice-free in winter and is home to large numbers of overwintering waterbirds, including the globally endangered white-headed duck. At Tuz Gölü, the area within the district is the key point of interest; at the reservoir near Geçitli, winter birdlife is the main natural attraction. These different focal points can help you decide how to balance culture and landscape during your stay.
Historic sites in the surrounding area
Parnassos is located near Şereflikoçhisar. The early Byzantine church there was built in 469–470. Parnassos was also an important stop on a pilgrimage route and a bishop’s seat in the ancient world. The region’s history therefore extends beyond the Seljuk and Ottoman periods to the early Byzantine era. The historic name of Şereflikoçhisar, “Koşhisâr,” means “twin fortress.” Koçhisar Castle is also among the district’s historic and tourist attractions.
Plan your stay around your interests
When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide what interests you most: architectural history, with the mosque and town museum, or the landscape and historic sites in the district. Keep the requirements for each visit in mind: arrange an appointment for the museum and choose a time outside prayer hours for the mosque. If you travel in winter, the birdlife at the reservoir near Geçitli is one of the district’s seasonal natural attractions.
Discover more destinations: Elmadağ, Karahisar, Yukarıbağdere, Çayırhan, Dikmen, Kızılcahamam, Akkaya, Polatlı
For the main travel overview: Ankara.
