What Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Is
Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University (AHBVU) is an academic and cultural institution in Ankara, Turkey’s capital. Established in 2018, it is named after the influential 15th-century Sufi mystic and social reformer Hacı Bayram Veli. Its campus, cultural events, and connections with nearby historical sites bring together modern scholarship and Ankara’s heritage.
The university has approximately 25,000 students. Its academic programs focus on areas including the humanities, social sciences, law, economics, arts, and theology. For university information, see the official university website; resources about the Hacı Bayram Veli Museum are available from the Hacı Bayram Veli Museum.
History
AHBVU was founded on May 29, 2018, through the reorganization of several faculties that had previously been part of Gazi University. The change created a specialized academic environment focused on the humanities, social sciences, law, economics, arts, and theology. The university’s mission draws on its namesake’s cultural legacy (kuliahditurki.org).
Hacı Bayram Veli was born in 1352 and established a lodge in Ankara in 1415. His teachings emphasized spiritual growth, community solidarity, and economic self-sufficiency through the Ahilik guild system. The Bayramiyya order he founded became associated with social justice and charity and contributed to the city’s resilience during periods of political and economic turmoil (turkishmuseums.com).
Ankara’s history includes Hittite settlements and Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. AHBVU’s presence in the Ulus and Beşevler districts reflects the city’s role as a crossroads of cultures. The university’s academic and cultural initiatives connect Ankara’s past with its present (goturkiye.org).
What to See
University campus
The main campus is in Beşevler. Campus facilities include libraries with more than 500,000 volumes, digital resources, and guest access with registration. Cafes and restaurants serve affordable meals. The gymnasium and sports fields are available to visitors, although some activities require advance booking. Free guest Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and maps and visitor guides can be found online and at entrances.
Lectures, exhibitions, and cultural events are regularly open to the public. The university has 9 faculties and 3 graduate institutes, with research strengths in law, humanities, and economics. It participates in Erasmus+ and international bilateral exchange programs. Most courses are in Turkish, while select programs in law, business, and international relations are taught in English. The TÖMER center provides Turkish-language support for international students.
AHBVU’s partnerships with institutions such as the Hacı Bayram Veli Museum reflect its work to preserve and promote Ankara’s heritage (kuliahditurki.org).
Hacı Bayram Veli Museum
The museum is in the Hamamarkası district. It offers daily scheduled and private tours, as well as facilities for visitors with mobility needs. Its entrance fee is described as modest, with discounts for students and seniors.
Hacı Bayram Mosque
Located in the Ulus district, Hacı Bayram Mosque is associated with the teachings and legacy of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli. Built in the early 15th century, it is a significant Ottoman architectural and religious site (barcelo.com). The mosque hosts religious and cultural events, including the Hacı Bayram Festival.
Other historical sites
Nearby places of interest include the Temple of Augustus, an ancient Roman temple adjacent to Hacı Bayram Mosque; Ankara Castle, a hilltop fortress with panoramic city views; and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, whose artifacts span prehistoric to Ottoman times.
Practical Visiting Information
University campus
The campus visiting information gives two sets of hours:
- Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Campus hours 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Guided campus visits are free and available by appointment. Book through the university website or the Public Relations Office. Campus facilities include ramps, elevators, and tactile paving, and the campus is described as fully accessible. Free Wi-Fi is available for guests, and campus security is present.
Hacı Bayram Veli Museum
- Hours Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays
- Tickets A modest entrance fee applies, with discounts for students and seniors. Tickets are available onsite and online.
- Tours Daily scheduled and private tours are available.
- Accessibility Facilities are available for visitors with mobility needs.
Hacı Bayram Mosque
- Hours Daily, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Entry Free. Modest dress is required, and shoes must be removed before entering.
- Guided tours Available through local tourism offices.
- Accessibility Ramps and pathways are provided for visitors with disabilities.
- Photography Permitted outside prayer times.
Tips and Itineraries
Spring and autumn are noted as pleasant times to visit; more specific recommended periods are April–June and September–October. Turkish is the primary language, though English is spoken in tourist areas and university offices. The campus and all major sites are described as wheelchair accessible. The Ulus district is described as safe during the day.
A half-day itinerary can include a campus visit, Hacı Bayram Mosque and the Temple of Augustus, lunch in Ulus Square, and visits to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Ankara Castle.
For a full day, add the Hamamönü district, known for Ottoman-era architecture, crafts, and local cuisine. The itinerary can also include a cultural event at the Itri Congress and Culture Center or CerModern.
The academic calendar runs from September to June and includes exhibitions, lectures, and festivals. A notable event is the annual graduation ceremony, with global student participation (Daily Sabah).
Nearby Places
Hacı Bayram Mosque, the Temple of Augustus, Ankara Castle, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations are within walking distance of the museum area. Traditional Turkish cafés and restaurants can be found around Ulus Square.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the campus and museum visiting hours?
The campus information lists Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, and separately gives campus hours of 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and closed Mondays.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entry to the campus and mosque is free. The museum charges a modest entrance fee, with discounts for students and seniors.
How can I book a campus tour?
Book through the university website or the Public Relations Office. Tours are free and require an appointment.
Is the campus accessible?
Yes. Ramps, elevators, and tactile paving are provided.
Are guided tours available at the mosque?
Yes. They are available through local tourism offices.
What language is used?
Turkish is the primary language. English support is available in university offices and for tours.
