AFYONKARAHISAR

Halal-friendly holidays

Because Afyonkarahisar is in Türkiye, where 99% of its population is Muslim, the city is very Muslim-friendly. Halal food is standard and there are many alcohol-free hotels and restaurants. The city is famous for its Seljuk and Ottoman mosques, all open for prayer.

Halal food is available throughout Afyonkarahisar as standard. All meat is halal. You’ll be able to savour tasty Turkish food such as kebabs, pide and grilled meat safe in the knowledge that it’s halal. The city is known for sucuk, a garlic sausage made from beef, which is also halal. It is also well known for its Turkish delight and the delicious clotted buffalo cream known as ‘kaymak’.

There are many hotels that are alcohol-free and it is usual for hotels to serve all halal food in Afyonkarahisar. The vast majority of thermal hotels in Afyonkarahisar have dedicated women-only and/ or men-only spas and pools.

Thermal Baths - No trip to Afyonkarahisar would be complete without a trip to one of the city’s thermal springs. Feel relaxed in soothing baths which have many healing properties. Most of the spas and wellness centres have dedicated women-only and men-only thermal pools, swimming pools and spa areas.

Afyonkarahisar Castle - Located at the centre of the old town, the ‘black castle’ from which the city takes its name is the main attraction of Afyonkarahisar. The castle can be seen from all over the city, perched high on a dark promontory of volcanic rock, and in order to get to the summit it takes 800 steps. You will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the top.

Old Town - The Old Town of Afyonkarahisar has cobblestone streets and houses from the Ottoman era which are painted in pastel colours.

Büyük Utku Anıtı - This is the Grand Victory Monument that depicts two men at battle to signify the Turkish victory against those in battle, which was designed by Heinrich Krippel in the 1930’s.

Marble Works - Afyon is famous for its marble, which was used in the building of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and is one of the best known in the whole world. You can visit marble works to see how the vast blocks, taken from the quarries, are cut for shipping.

Phrygian Valley - Located just outside the city, the Phrygian Valley is a UNESCO listed site with ancient rock formations, similar to the fairy chimneys and rock dwellings of Cappadocia, archaeological sites and the spectacular engraved rock known as the King Midas Monument.

For a small city, Afyonkarahisar has many mosques, many of which are fine examples of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture. Here’s a list of some:

Afyonkarahisar Grand Mosque - Also known as Ulu Cami, it was built in 1272 and has 40 wooden columns inside in the typical Seljuk style. Daily prayers are offered as well as a Jumuah Khutbah.

Mevlevihanesi and Mosque - The Mevlevi Mosque as it stands today was built in 1844. It is an important site for the Mevlevi Order of Sufism and is a fine example of a Tekke or Mevli Lodge.

Yeni Mosque - Located in the centre of the city, Yeni Mosque was built in 1711 and has a madrasah, library, fountain, inn and wudu area.

Mısri Mosque - Mısri Mosque was built in 1483 and is made of stone. It has two domes and the minbar is made of marble.