Yivli Minare, Antalya

The Yivli Minare, or Fluted Minaret, is a distinctive landmark in the heart of Antalya, Turkey. Towering above the cityscape with its elegant and unique design, this historical minaret is an integral part of the Antalya skyline and serves as a major tourist attraction. The minaret is part of a larger mosque complex, known as the Yivli Minare Mosque or Alaaddin Mosque, which is a prime example of Seljuk architecture.

Constructed in the 13th century during the reign of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate, the Yivli Minare stands at approximately 38 meters tall. Its fluted body, made of red brick, comprises 8 half-cylinders. If one were to look up from the base of the minaret, they would see the flutes merge into one another creating a unique spiraling effect, which has become a symbol of the city.

The mosque itself, to which the minaret is attached, was built using materials from the ruins of earlier Roman structures in the area. This blend of architectural elements reflects the historical layers of Antalya and the transitions through various empires and cultures.

Visitors to the Yivli Minare can appreciate the craftsmanship of the Seljuk architecture and the minaret's intricate blue tile work. Though the mosque is an active place of worship, it is also open to tourists who wish to observe and learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The complex also houses the Antalya Ethnographic Museum, which offers further insight into the history and culture of the city.