Ortaköy Mosque : The Elegant Pearl Rising from the Waters of the Bosphorus

One of the most elegant and frequently photographed symbols of the Istanbul Bosphorus, the Ortaköy Mosque(officially known as Büyük Mecidiye Mosque), rises almost out of the water on the Bosphorus shore, right next to the bridge connecting Asia and Europe. This structure reflects the aesthetic of the late Ottoman architectural period, offering visitors a mesmerizing view with its architectural refinement, decorations, and unparalleled location.

Historical Depth: A Reflection of Changing Style

The present structure of the Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid and constructed in 1853. The Mosque's construction coincides with a period when the Ottoman Empire was embracing Westernization.

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• Built on an Older Structure: A smaller mosque dating back to the 18th century previously stood on the current site. Sultan Abdülmecid decided to build a grander, more ornate mosque at this important location on the Bosphorus to reflect the Empire's renewed image.

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• Baroque and Empire Influences: Moving away from the strict rules of Classical Ottoman Architecture, the Mosque embodies the elegance of the then-fashionable Neo-Baroque and Empire styles. This shift resulted in the structure having a more decorated and dynamic façade, distinguishing it from traditional mosque architecture.

Architectural Features: Palace Elegance

The Ortaköy Mosque features an architectural plan consisting of two main sections: the main prayer hall and the Hünkar Kasrı (Sultan's Pavilion).

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• Construction and Architects: The Mosque was designed by the Armenian-Ottoman architects Garabet Balyanand his son Nigoğos Balyan, who were also responsible for many other significant works, including the Dolmabahçe Palace. The Balyan family played a crucial role in bringing Western aesthetics to Ottoman court architecture.

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• The Hünkar Kasrı: The two-story, wide-windowed Hünkar Kasrı (Sultan's private apartment), which overlooks the Bosphorus, is an important part of the structure. This section was designed for the Sultan to rest and pray when visiting the Mosque, adding a touch of palace elegance to the building.

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• Elegant Single Dome: The main prayer hall is covered by a spacious and high single dome. This dome brings ample light and airiness to the interior space.

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• Slender Minarets: The Mosque's two slender, elegant minarets, each with a single balcony (şerefe), create an aesthetic silhouette that integrates perfectly with the Bosphorus landscape.

Artistic Grandeur: Calligraphy and Light

The interior decorations also showcase a blend of Western and Ottoman art.

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• Sultan Abdülmecid's Calligraphy: Some of the important calligraphic inscriptions on the Mosque's interior walls were executed by Sultan Abdülmecid himself. The Sultan's talent for calligraphy enhances the artistic value of the structure.

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• Light and Windows: Large and numerous windows bring the light and blue of the Bosphorus inside. The light merges with the Baroque-style decorations and colored stained glass in the interior, creating a vibrant and bright atmosphere.

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Tip for Tourists: Visiting the Ortaköy Mosque means experiencing the architectural elegance of Istanbul's modernization period. Standing by the Bosphorus shore, photographing the Mosque's silhouette reflected in the water, and the view of the bridge behind it allows you to capture one of Istanbul's most classic and romantic sights.

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Are you ready to explore the art and architecture of the late Ottoman era at this aesthetic and historic structure on the shore of the Bosphorus?