3 Best Sights in Cappadocia and Central Turkey, Turkey

Dating from 1427, Hacı Bayram Camii is one of Ankara's most important mosques. Built mainly of brick, it is named after the revered founder of the Bayrami order of dervishes, Hacı Bayram, whose tomb is next to the minaret. A newer and showily decorated wing takes something away from the site's historic character. An attractive public square, with a fountain and landscaped flower beds, has also been built around the mosque in recent years. The location of Hacı Bayram Camii, practically abutting the ancient Temple of Augustus and Rome, indicates that this area has been a sacred site through the ages. Though it's in a rather sad state today, the temple, built 25–20 BC, is of great historical significance—inscribed in marble on its walls is the most complete Latin and Greek text of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, in which Augustus, the first Roman emperor, lists his deeds. What's left of the structure is now largely supported by metal scaffolding, and it can only be viewed from a walkway that runs around it.

It took 20 years to build this gigantic, elaborately decorated, neo-Ottoman mosque in the center of Turkey's secular capital. Perched on an expansive raised platform, the illuminated edifice dominates the Ankara skyline at night and is one of the city's most prominent landmarks. The prestigious mosque is the site of most military and state funerals.

Sultan Selim II began this medium-size mosque just across from Rumi's tomb in 1558, when he was heir to the throne and governor of Konya. The structure, completed after he became sultan, is reminiscent of Fatih Camii in Istanbul, with soaring arches and windows surrounding the base of the dome.