Lion's Den Mosque, Ankara

The Aslan Khan Mosque, also known as the Lion's Den Mosque, is a historical mosque dating back to the 13th century, situated in Ankara. This mosque stands as one of the oldest surviving mosques in Turkey and was constructed during the rule of Sultan Ghayath al-Din Masoud II of the Anatolian Seljuks in the year 1290 AD. The architectural design of the mosque was attributed to Abu Bakr Muhammad.

Legend has it that in the vicinity of the mosque, a lion statue was buried, which is why the mosque came to be known as Aslanhane, meaning "house/den of the lion" in Turkish.

Positioned within Ankara's old district, adjacent to Ankara Castle, the mosque is situated at an elevation of 947 meters. As for its physical characteristics, the Aslan Mosque takes on a rectangular shape, features a single minaret, and boasts a wooden ceiling supported by 24 substantial wooden columns. The mosque encompasses three entrances and 12 windows, with the mihrab (prayer niche) adorned in the Seljuk architectural style. Despite its unassuming exterior, the mosque is celebrated for its exquisite interior decoration, making it one of the most splendid examples of Seljuk mosques.