Meydan Mosque

In the heart of the ancient city of Sivas lies the Meydan Mosque (Şems-i Sivasi Meydan Camii)—an outstanding monument of the Ottoman era. This historical complex, built in 1564, is one of the most important spiritual landmarks that Turkey takes pride in.

Meydan Mosque. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The building was erected by order of Koca Hasan Pasha, a vizier of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. One of the unique features of the mosque is its location slightly below the main street level, which creates an atmosphere of seclusion and silence around it, despite its proximity to busy city thoroughfares.

Special significance is given to this site by the mausoleum of Şemseddin Sivasi, a great Sufi mystic and scholar. Thanks to his tomb, the mosque has become an important pilgrimage site. The architectural elegance of the 16th century combined with deep spiritual meaning makes the Meydan Mosque a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Islamic world.

To help you plan your visit, we have prepared the essential contact information. The mosque is located in a lively part of the city, making it easy to include in your walking route.

When visiting the Meydan Mosque, be sure to take time to explore its interior. Notice the classic Ottoman vaults and elegant decorative elements that create a sense of grandeur and peace. The main highlight is the mausoleum of Şemseddin Sivasi, where you can learn about the Sufi traditions of the region and feel the unique energy of this sacred place.

Outside the mosque is the charming Meydan Square with a fountain. This is a lovely place to relax and take excellent photos of the mosque's facade and the surrounding historical buildings. A walk through the square will allow you to see how harmoniously the ancient structure fits into the modern urban landscape.

It is recommended to visit between prayer times to be able to quietly view the interior without disturbing the worshippers. The complex's peaceful atmosphere is perfect for meditative contemplation and a short break from the city noise in the shade of the trees on the mosque grounds.

Meydan Mosque is located in the heart of the city's cultural life, on the busy Atatürk Boulevard (Atatürk Blv.). Thanks to its central location, it is easily accessible on foot from almost any hotel in central Sivas—a walk from the main squares will take no more than 5–10 minutes.

If you are coming from the bus station (Sivas Otogar), take city buses or dolmuş (minibuses) numbers 1 or 5 heading toward Cumhuriyet Meydanı. A taxi ride from the station is quick and takes about 10–15 minutes. For those arriving at Sivas Airport (Nuri Demirağ Havalimanı), the most convenient option is the HAVAŞ buses, which regularly transport passengers to the city center.

Once you are in the area of the main Seljuk madrasas, simply follow Atatürk Boulevard. The mosque is situated slightly below the sidewalk level, so look for signs pointing to Meydan Square and the mausoleum of Şemseddin Sivasi.

The history of the Meydan Mosque dates back to 1564, when its construction began by order of Koca Hasan Pasha, one of the viziers of the great Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. This period marked the flourishing of Ottoman culture in Anatolia, and the mosque became an important contribution to the architectural landscape of Sivas at that time.

The main historical value of the complex is associated with the name of Şemseddin Sivasi (Şems-i Sivasi), a prominent Sufi scholar and mystic. He is revered as one of the three "great Shems" of the Islamic world. His mausoleum, located on the mosque grounds, turned this site into a significant spiritual center that has attracted pilgrims for centuries.

The Meydan Mosque is an interesting example of how 16th-century Ottoman architecture harmoniously coexists with the older 13th-century Seljuk monuments located nearby. Despite the passing centuries and various restorations, the building has preserved its original spirit and continues to serve as a reminder of the region's rich religious heritage.

Tourists typically need 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the Meydan Mosque. This is plenty of time to admire the building's architectural details, visit the mausoleum of Şemseddin Sivasi, and take a leisurely stroll through the adjacent square.

Since the mosque is located right in the center, it is convenient to plan a visit as a short stop within a larger itinerary of the city's historical sites. If you wish to soak in the atmosphere and watch the life of the square by the fountain, you might want to stay a bit longer to enjoy the tranquility of the place.

Currently, the Meydan Mosque is temporarily closed to visitors (possibly due to restoration work). Before planning your visit, we recommend checking for the latest information on-site or on the city's official tourism department website.

Typically, mosques in Turkey are open daily from early morning until late evening (approximately from 06:00 to 20:00). However, access for sightseeing may be limited during daily prayers, especially during the large Friday service.

Sivas is famous for its concentration of historical monuments, so a visit to the Meydan Mosque can easily be turned into a fascinating journey through time. The area surrounding the mosque is a true open-air museum, where masterpieces of Ottoman and Seljuk architecture stand literally just a few minutes' walk from each other.

A stroll through the adjacent streets will allow you to see ancient madrasas with their famous portals and old trading rows that still retain the atmosphere of the ancient East.