Every time I see this building, I can’t hide my amazement. As all locals know, it remained abandoned for many years, surrounded by iron bars, in a dilapidated state, with its surroundings overgrown with weeds. The restoration process also took a long time. Witnessing its transformation from its old state to the present was an emotional experience for me.

The History of Korkut Mosque

The Broken Minaret, also known as Korkut Mosque or Hünkâr Mosque, is a multi-layered historical structure. It was originally built as a Roman temple in the 2nd century AD, serving the pagan faiths of the time with statues of gods and altars inside.

When the Roman Empire adopted Christianity in the 5th and 6th centuries, the temple was converted into a church. The pagan statues were removed and replaced with semi-domed prayer areas called apses.

In the 13th century, after the Seljuks captured Antalya, the building was converted into a mosque, with the addition of a mihrab and a minaret, while Christian elements were removed. In the early 19th century, a major fire caused significant damage, and the upper part of the minaret collapsed. The building has been known among locals as the “Broken Minaret” ever since.

Antalya’s Hagia Sophia

The Broken Minaret may not be as large, old, or magnificent as Hagia Sophia. However, both structures impress visitors with their grandeur, serenity, and the dignity carried through the centuries. They have hosted multiple religions and cultures and contain countless stories and secrets within their walls.

Despite earthquakes, fires, and destructions over time, both buildings have endured, standing as powerful witnesses to history.

Antalya’s city center hosts one of the most unique and remarkable structures you can see. Don’t just admire it from afar; step inside and explore the extraordinary blend of Roman-Hellenistic and Seljuk architecture. You will be captivated by the beauty of history and aesthetics.Click for location.

Today, I would like to share detailed information about this historic structure, which is very well known by people living in Antalya and also attracts great curiosity from foreign tourists who come to see it. On a sunny morning in Antalya, when you walk towards Kaleiçi, it is almost impossible not to pass by this magnificent gate. Even though I have lived in Antalya for a long time, one day I asked myself a simple question: Why was this structure built? When I started searching for the answer, I came across some very interesting historical information.

What is Hadrian’s Gate?

Hadrian's Gate was built in 130 AD to honor the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to the city. At that time, Antalya was known as Attaleia, and it was one of the most important port cities of the Roman Empire.

When the city’s administrators learned that the emperor would visit the city, they commissioned this magnificent structure to honor him and gain his favor. The structure we see today reflects the power and grandeur of Roman architecture. Nearly 1,900 years later, it still stands impressively.

Architectural Features of Hadrian’s Gate

By examining the Three Gates, we can also better understand Roman architecture. This structure, which has stood for centuries, is one of the most important works of its time thanks to its fine craftsmanship, decorations, and artistic details.

Three-Arched Design

One of the most striking features of the gate is its three-arched entrance system. This design resembles Roman triumphal arches. The central arch was reserved for the emperor’s passage.

Marble Columns

The columns on both sides of the gate were built in the Corinthian order. The detailed stone carvings on the upper parts of these columns reflect the elegance and refinement of Roman architecture.

Reliefs and Decorations

The gate features plant motifs, geometric decorations, and stone reliefs. These elements demonstrate the sophistication and artistic mastery of Roman art.

Roman Stone Road

The stone-paved road passing beneath the gate dates back to the Roman period and is the original road. Even today, visitors can walk along this historic path as they pass through the gate.

Where is Hadrian’s Gate?

Hadrian’s Gate is located in the Kaleiçi district of Muratpaşa, in Antalya, one of Türkiye’s most famous tourism centers. Although there are several entrances to Kaleiçi, I recommend entering the old town through this gate first.

With its impressive architecture, traditional Ottoman houses, narrow streets, charming hotels, historic buildings, and museums, Kaleiçi truly represents the soul of Antalya.

The Importance of Hadrian’s Gate for Tourism

Although it was built centuries ago, this gate is still one of the most visited landmarks in the city. The importance of this Roman structure can easily be understood from the number of visitors it attracts.

Why is it so important?

• It is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Antalya and represents nearly 2,000 years of history.
• Although Kaleiçi has several entrances, it serves as a symbolic gateway to the old city.
• It is one of the most popular spots for photography in Antalya.
• It is one of the favorite historical attractions for both domestic and international tourists.

Visiting Hadrian’s Gate

Hadrian's Gate is an open historical monument that can be visited at any time of the day, and there is no entrance fee to pass through the gate.

The best times to visit are usually early in the morning or at sunset. During these hours, the crowds are smaller and the lighting is perfect for photography.

Tourists who visit the gate usually follow this route:

1.     Hadrian's Gate

2.     Kaleiçi streets

3.     Kaleiçi Marina

4.     Historic Antalya houses

5.     Kaleiçi museums

This route offers an ideal travel plan for discovering the historical atmosphere of Antalya.

Hıdırlık Tower is located at the southern end of Karaalioğlu Parkı in Antalya’s Muratpaşa district. Standing on cliffs overlooking the sea, it occupies a uniquely impressive spot both visually and historically.

History of Hıdırlık Tower

The structure was built in the 2nd century AD during the Roma İmparatorluğu. Originally constructed with a square plan, it was later transformed into a cylindrical tower. Throughout history, its function changed over time. During the Bizans İmparatorluğu period, it is known to have been used as a military outpost.

Possible purposes:

• Watchtower and defensive structure
• Possibly a lighthouse
• Theories suggesting it may have been a monumental tomb

Architectural Features

• Approximately 14 meters high
• Lower section: square base; upper section: cylindrical body
• Thick stone walls suggest defensive use
• The upper platform is suitable for observation and viewing the scenery

This architectural combination shows that the structure carries both monumental and military characteristics.

The Mystery of Hıdırlık Tower

The tower’s exact function is still uncertain. According to archaeologists, three main theories stand out:

1.     Lighthouse

2.     Watchtower

3.     Monumental tomb

This uncertainty has increased its mystique and inspired many local legends.

The Legend of the Light from the Sea

According to a story told among locals, in the early years after the tower was built, merchant ships arriving on the Mediterranean coast would see a strange moving light in the sea at night. Sometimes bright, sometimes faint, sometimes flickering, sailors believed the light came from the tower. Yet when they climbed it, they found no light and no guard inside.

One night, a soldier decided to keep watch in the tower to solve the mystery. At midnight the light appeared again, and he went down to the shore to follow it… but both the soldier and the light vanished. The next morning, officials found strange salt crystals on the walls. The legend says soldiers in later centuries saw the same light many times, but its cause was never explained. For this reason, the tower was once considered a sign of “sea spirits,” and entering it at night was forbidden.

Best Time to Visit

• Sunset: Ideal for views and photography
• Spring & autumn: More comfortable temperatures
• Early morning: Fewer crowds, better light for photos
• Click for location

Tips for Photographers

• Shooting from a low angle makes the tower look more majestic.
• Silhouette shots with the sea as background create dramatic results.
• Sunset light enhances the texture of the stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hıdırlık Tower ticketed?
No, it can be viewed free of charge from the outside.

Can you go inside?
It is generally not open to visitors; it is viewed from outside.

How old is it?
It is estimated to be about 1,800 years old.

Today, I am spending my time visiting Yivli Minaret, located in the historic Kaleiçi district in the center of Antalya. The minaret was commissioned by the Seljuk ruler Alaeddin Keykubad I between 1220 and 1237. Whether I see Yivli Minaret during the day or at night, it always evokes the same sense of admiration.

When viewed from Republic Square, the minaret immediately draws attention as it rises among shades of blue and green, wrapped in soft-toned orange bricks. This scene helps us understand why Yivli Minaret appears so frequently on Antalya’s postcards, local business logos, and tourism promotions. 

The “yivli,” or fluted, structure of the minaret is its most distinctive feature. Its body is formed by eight semi-cylindrical flutes, giving the structure an elegant, refined, and graceful appearance. Yivli Minaret is not only one of the earliest examples of fluted minarets in Anatolia, but also one of the most important symbols of 13th-century Seljuk architecture.

The body of the minaret is built of red brick, while its base is constructed from cut stone. Standing approximately 38 meters tall, the structure was originally adorned with turquoise faience tiles placed between the bricks to add visual richness and harmony.

According to a local legend, these turquoise tiles shimmered differently under sunlight and moonlight. Some sailors are even said to have used Yivli Minaret as a beacon for navigation, much like a lighthouse. Captivated by its beauty, people came to believe that turquoise brought abundance, wealth, and good fortune. Legend has it that thieves, thinking the tiles were more valuable than gold, stole them away. From that day on, it is said that the minaret lost its glow and never regained its former brilliance. Click here for detailed mosque information.

Yivli Minaret Mosque has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2016. The Yivli Minaret Complex also includes the Atabey Armağan Madrasa, Ulucami Madrasa, Mevlevihane (Dervish Lodge), Yivli Minaret Bath, Nigar Hatun Mausoleum, and Zincir Kıran Mehmet Bey Mausoleum. Click here to go to the Yivli Minaret Mosque.