The Pisa of Anatolia

Eğri Minaret – The Leaning Wonder of Aksaray

Marvel at the 800-year-old Seljuk mystery that defies gravity
with its distinctive red brick and iconic tilt.

An Architectural Enigma in Aksaray

The Eğri Minaret (Leaning Minaret), also known as the "Red Minaret" (Kızıl Minare), is one of Aksaray’s most iconic landmarks. Built during the Seljuk period in the 13th century, this striking red-brick structure has leaned at an angle for centuries, earning it comparisons to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Standing tall in the heart of the city, the minaret is part of a vanished mosque complex. While it appears to be on the verge of falling, experts have determined that the lean—approximately 3 degrees—is stable. Whether it was built this way intentionally or settled over time due to soil conditions remains a subject of local legend and academic debate.

Walking around the base of the minaret allows you to appreciate the intricate Seljuk brickwork. The cylindrical body is divided into sections by decorative bands and turquoise-glazed tiles, showcasing the artistic transition from the Great Seljuk style to the Anatolian Seljuk aesthetic.

The Tilt

A visible lean that has survived centuries of seismic activity and weather in Central Anatolia.

Seljuk Brickwork

Masterful use of baked red bricks arranged in geometric herringbone patterns.

Glazed Tiles

Traces of original turquoise blue tiles that once sparkled under the Anatolian sun.

Cultural Anchor

A symbol of Aksaray’s deep roots on the Silk Road, standing as a silent witness to history.

Plan Your Visit

Eğri Minaret – Quick Facts

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Location

Located in the city center of Aksaray, easily reachable on foot from the main square.

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The Angle

The minaret leans significantly to one side, stabilized by restoration efforts in the 1970s.

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Visit Duration

15 to 30 minutes for photography and a walk around the structure.

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Material

Constructed primarily of thin, flat Seljuk bricks and lime mortar.

Built to Last

History & Legends of the Red Minaret

The Eğri Minaret was commissioned during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I (1221–1237). It is one of the oldest surviving examples of Seljuk minaret architecture in Turkey. While the mosque it was once attached to has long since disappeared, the minaret remains as a lonely sentinel of a bygone era.

Local legends offer a more colorful explanation for the lean. One popular story tells of an architect who realized the tower was leaning during construction. To "fix" it, he supposedly tied a rope to the top and had several men pull it in the opposite direction until it appeared straight—only for it to return to its tilted state the next morning.

In reality, the lean is likely caused by the soft alluvial soil near the Uluırmak river. Modern engineering studies have shown that the center of gravity remains within the base, ensuring its stability. Today, it serves as a proud reminder of the technical and artistic ambitions of the Seljuk Turks who transformed Cappadocia and the surrounding regions.

What to See at the Site

Geometric Bands

Observe the varied brick patterns that change as you look up the minaret's body.

Turquoise Glazing

Small remnants of the iconic Seljuk blue tiles can still be seen near the balcony (şerefe).

The Stone Base

The square stone pedestal provides a heavy foundation for the cylindrical brick tower.

Uluırmak Riverside

The minaret sits near the river, a pleasant area for a short stroll through Aksaray.

Night Lighting

The minaret is beautifully illuminated at night, highlighting its lean against the dark sky.

Nearby Ulu Mosque

Just a short walk away is the Grand Mosque of Aksaray, another Seljuk masterpiece.

Plan Your Visit

Visitor Information

Eğri Minaret is a public monument located on a street corner in central Aksaray. It is easily accessible and requires no specialized equipment to view.

Entrance

The site is free to visit as it is an open-air monument in the city center. You can view it at any time of day.

How to Get There

Aksaray is a major hub between Cappadocia and Konya. Most travelers stop here while driving from Ihlara Valley back to Nevşehir.

Photography

The best angle to capture the lean is from the sidewalk across the street, where you can use the surrounding vertical buildings for contrast.

Climbing

For safety reasons and preservation, the interior staircase of the minaret is closed to the public.

Why Visit

Why Visit Eğri Minaret?

Aksaray is often overlooked by tourists rushing to the fairy chimneys, but Eğri Minaret is a compelling reason to stop.

Instagrammable Spots

The "Leaning Tower" effect makes for unique and fun travel photos that stand out from typical Cappadocia shots.

Silk Road History

Aksaray was a vital stop on the Silk Road; the minaret represents the height of that commercial and cultural era.

Architectural Curiosity

It is a rare surviving example of a leaning structure that has remained standing for over 800 years.

Perfect Transit Stop

Located near the main highway, it takes only 10 minutes to visit while transiting between Konya and Göreme.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the minaret fall?

Restoration experts and engineers monitor the minaret constantly. Following deep foundation reinforcement, it is considered completely safe and stable.

Is it in Cappadocia?

While not in the "core" volcanic zone of Göreme, Aksaray is part of the greater Cappadocia region and was historically part of the same administrative area.

What else is nearby?

You can combine a visit here with the Aksaray Museum and the nearby Ağzıkarahan Caravanserai for a full Seljuk history day.

Ready to Explore Aksaray?

Contact us to add the Eğri Minaret and other Silk Road wonders to your travel plans. We offer private transfers and guided historical tours from all Cappadocia hotels.

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