Haymana can be explored through two themes: its thermal history surrounding Cimcime Sultan and the architectural history of its mosque, fountains, and historic buildings. These places represent different periods and functions; their stories should not be combined into a single narrative. For trip planning, it helps to keep these aspects distinct: thermal traditions, religious architecture, and memorial sites each offer their own focus. This lets you decide whether to explore one theme in depth or consider several aspects of the town’s history side by side.

Thermal History and Cimcime Sultan

The Cimcime Sultan (Merkez) Thermal Bath is said to have been built by the Romans; it was rebuilt in 1927 and renovated several times since. Its Roman origins are an attribution, while the rebuilding has a specific date. The historic Haymana thermal bath facilities completed by the municipality of Haymana were also officially opened. Plans for a new Cimcime Sultan (Merkez) Thermal Bath included separate bathing floors for women and men. The plans also provided for eight family rooms with their own sauna and pool, as well as two family rooms for people with disabilities.

The local tradition surrounding Cimcime Sultan is associated with the thermal spring. According to the story, she discovered Haymana’s spring and was healed by its water. Another legend says that her father abandoned her at the warm spring on the present-day site of the thermal bath; bathing there healed her wounds and skin conditions. Both healing stories belong to local tradition and should be distinguished from the construction history of the thermal bath.

Buildings and Memorial Sites

Merkez Camii stands in the center of the district. Its inscription gives 1890 as the year it was built. The mosque features late Ottoman architectural elements, and its original mihrab, or prayer niche, has been preserved. Alongside the historical dates, these specific architectural features help place the building in context.

Şehitler Çeşmesi was built in 1917 by the Kırşehirli family in memory of Mehmet, a lieutenant colonel who fell in the Battle of Çanakkale. The fountain was restored in 2023. A rest park was created behind the çeşme. The tomb of Cimcime Sultan is also part of the town’s history; it is located in the center of Haymana district.

Taş Bina was built in 1895 as the headquarters of the Haymana Redif Battalion and as an arms and ammunition depot. A two-day itinerary begins at Taş Bina; today, the building is used as the service building of the District Directorate of National Education and is not specifically designated as a visitor attraction. If you plan to visit it, check in advance whether visits are currently possible. The building known as Papazın Evi, also called Krikoryan Konağı, is a single-story building made of rubble masonry, dating from 1906. Its name, construction, and date give it a different character from Taş Bina’s former military function.

Square, Park, and Regional Connections

Ömer Özkan Square and Park have a photo area, kiosks, a pool, and a café. One itinerary suggests trying koruk juice, a seasonal specialty of Haymana, at the café. As individual offerings may change, check in advance what will be available during your visit if you are planning around it. This helps distinguish the seasonal tasting from the memorial sites that are in place year-round.

Another regional point of interest is the Gâvurkale ruins. They are 2 km from the village of Dereköy in Haymana district. This makes the site a separate point of interest near Dereköy, distinct from Haymana’s centrally located buildings.

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