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You are here: Home / BOSPHORUS / Ortakoy Mosque Architecture and History

Ortakoy Mosque Architecture and History

10 November 2020 by Serhat Engül

Ortakoy Mosque at the Bosphorus

Istanbul Ortakoy Mosque Architecture and History

Ortakoy Mosque is considered as the jewel of Bosphorus due to its location and architecture. Located in Ortakoy Neighborhood which is just next to the Bosphorus Bridge connecting Europe and Asia, this mosque provides great opportunities for those who enjoy taking travel pictures.

The Mosque is built by Sultan Abdulmecid in 1854. Dedicated to its founder, it’s also known as Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque.

Ortakoy Mosque Interior

Istanbul Ortakoy Mosque Interior photos
Interior of the Mosque

View Of Bosphorus

The splendid view of Bosphorus can be seen from its broad windows. Therefore it provides unworldly worshipping experience for the Muslim visitors of Istanbul. Furthermore the interior of the mosque is always bright with the sun rays glowing through those large windows. It allows you to take excellent interior photographs.

Several masterful examples of Turkish calligraphy hanged on the interior walls of the Mosque. These handicrafts are executed by Sultan Abdulmecid himself, who was also an ingenious calligrapher.

These distinctive features makes the Mosque a must for the visitors of Istanbul.

Unique Decorations of the Mosque

Istanbul Ortakoy Mosque Dome photos
Dome of the Mosque

Ortakoy Mosque History and Architecture

This eclectic Baroque mosque is the work of Ottoman architect Nikogos Balyan. Nikogos was a scion of the famous Armenian family of imperial architects.

Balyan family served Ottoman royalty for 18th & 19th centuries. Their elegant palaces, pavillions and mansions adorned the Istanbul’s Bosphorus shores. Among their prominent works; Dolmabahce Palace & adjacent Dolmabahçe Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Çırağan Palace, Nusretiye Mosque. The classy Justice Tower of Topkapı Palace also rebuilt by them.

Ortakoy Mosque Exterior

Ortaköy Mosque is also known as Büyük Mecidiye Mosque.
Exterior of the Mosque

Ortakoy Neighborhood and Bosphorus Shores

Ortakoy literally means “the village in the middle” due to its unique location on the European Bosphorus shore.

Ortakoy square is a popular meeting and strolling place for the locals. It provides a cozy atmosphere with its lovely boutiques, waterfront cafés and restaurants.

People of Istanbul usually come to Ortakoy to have a breakfast, hanging around its spacious square and stroll through its alluring street market.

Ortakoy Square

Istanbul Ortakoy Mosque located in Ortaköy Neighborhood.
Ortakoy Neighborhood

Ortakoy Mosque Opening Hours

Istanbul mosques are usually open to visit from 9:00 a.m. untill 6:00 p.m. except for praying times. Mosques are closed 30 minutes prior to call to prayer. Non-worshippers are not alowed during the prayer as well. Then it’s re-opened after the praying process.

Praying times dramatically change from one season to another. Because it’s depending on the lenght of the day. So you have to check praying times from your hotel desk, before you schedule your visit for the Mosque.

 Ortakoy Mosque Blog Post by Serhat

Filed Under: BOSPHORUS Tagged With: Mosques

Serhat Engül

About Serhat Engül

Hello explorer of Istanbul! This is Serhat Engul. I am a licensed TOUR GUIDE IN ISTANBUL. I offer PRIVATE HALF DAY TOUR which includes a visit to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and the Spice Bazaar. This is a fantastic option to see some of the ICONIC LANDMARKS in the whole of Istanbul and you’ll receive plenty of background information on each location to enlighten you. You may see the details of this tour on the HOMEPAGE of the blog. I wish you a wonderful trip!

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Private Guided Tours

Serhat EngülHello, I'm Serhat Engul. I am a licensed tour guide operating in Istanbul. I do walking tours in Istanbul focusing on Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. If you want to join a private guided tour in Istanbul, you can check out my references and tours from ABOUT page. I hope the articles I posted on this site help you in planning your Istanbul trip. I wish you a nice holiday in Istanbul! Read More…

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Author of this blog, Serhat Engul, is a licensed tour guide based in Istanbul.

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