Veled-i Yaniç Mosque 🇹🇷

Located in Bursa, Turkey, the Veled-i Yaniç Mosque is an intriguing early Ottoman mesjid that remains in use today. Built in July 1440 by Mahmud Çelebi, according to the inscription above its entrance door, this historic site offers a captivating glimpse into early Ottoman architecture. When you visit, you will see a square-planned mosque covered by a distinct octagonal-shaped dome, along with the grave of its namesake, Veled-i Yaniç (a Sufi and former Ottoman military commander whose real name was Mahmut), located right in the mosque's courtyard.

The absolute highlight of your visit will be the mosque's completely unique minaret. Situated about 10 meters outside the building and resting directly over a fountain across from the entrance, this short minaret can be climbed via just five stairs. It is so unusual that some suspect it may have originally been a church bell tower—a mystery in mosque architecture that remains unanswered to this day.

If you appreciate historical anomalies and religious history, this remarkable site is well worth adding to your Bursa travel itinerary.

What to see at Veled-i Yaniç Mosque

• Distinctive square-planned design covered by an octagonal-shaped dome
• Extremely unusual minaret built over a fountain 10 meters outside the mosque
• Mysterious minaret structure suspected by some to be a former church bell
• Inscription above the entrance door dating the mosque's construction to July 1440
• Courtyard burial site of Sufi and Ottoman commander Veled-i Yaniç

Visiting tips

Be sure to examine the unusual minaret set above the fountain outside the entrance, as it features just five stairs and represents a unique mystery in mosque architecture.

How long: 30-45 minutes · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Veled-i Yaniç Mosque is easy to reach on Bursa’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Bursa Grand Mosque and Bursa Green Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bursa travel guide.