Grand Çamlıca Mosque

Description

It is Turkey's largest and most modern mosque, built on Çamlıca Hill.

Story

The Grand Çamlıca Mosque, as Turkey's largest mosque, was built between 2013 and 2019. Located at a commanding point on Çamlıca Hill, the mosque bears traces of classical Ottoman architecture and also serves as a massive complex utilizing modern engineering techniques. With a total capacity exceeding 60,000 people, the mosque has become one of Istanbul's new symbols with its dome height, tile decorations, interior spaciousness, and panoramic views. The main dome of the mosque is 72 meters high and 34 meters in diameter. These measurements symbolize Istanbul's license plate code 34 and the 72 nations of the Islamic world. It has 6 minarets; two of them are 107.1 meters high, referencing the Battle of Manzikert. The mosque is not only a place of worship but also designed as a cultural complex. It houses a Turkish-Islamic arts museum, a library, art workshops, exhibition halls, and conference centers. The interior decorations of the mosque combine classical Ottoman motifs with modern kalem işi (pen work) techniques. Thanks to its lighting system, acoustic arrangement, and vast area, it offers both a spiritual and impressive atmosphere. The mosque's outer courtyard and terraces offer panoramic views extending to the Bosphorus, Marmara Sea, and the Princes' Islands. Today, the Grand Çamlıca Mosque is frequently visited by worshipers, tourists, and photography enthusiasts alike. As one of the most ambitious architectural projects of the modern era, it has left its mark on Istanbul's new skyline.

Visit Tips

• Admission is free.
• Evening lighting is very impressive.
• Roads leading to Çamlıca Hill can be busy.
• It is quieter on weekdays.

Photos