The Parliament Mosque Complex (TBMM Camii Kompleksi) in Ankara, Turkey, was designed by architects Behruz and Can Çinici and is a remarkable example of brutalist architecture. It clearly stands out from traditional mosque designs by using a stepped, pyramidal structure instead of a dominant dome and reducing the minaret tower to a minimalist form. In addition, the mosque complex was embedded into the terrain, giving the entire structure a certain restraint. The interior is dominated by exposed concrete and sparse decorative elements such as Kufic ceramic inscriptions, while the garden visually opens up the prayer room.

Heritage protected. 

In the meantime, the mosque was under threat of demolition: The mosque, which is located in the parliament complex, was to be demolished to make space for premises in which MPs could be accommodated. As a result of the efforts and national and international campaigns by DOCOMOMO Turkey and the Chamber of Architects, the building was listed by the heritage protection authority in 2015. This also saved the building from demolition. The mosque is currently being used for its original purpose.

This building was included in the red list, published in our exhibition catalog SOS Brutalism: A Global Survey (September 2017). After a status review on November 4, 2024, it was reclassified in the online database from red (endangered) to blue (saved).