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
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
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
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
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.
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