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Ortaköy Mosque

1 Mecidiye Köprüsü Sokak, Mecidiye, İstanbul

Description

Ortaköy Mosque is one of Istanbul's most iconic mosques, it is situated along the European shore of the Bosphorus, right at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge. Its official name is Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Grand Imperial Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid) and it was commissioned by sultan Abdülmecid in the mid-19th century. It was designed in Neo-Baroque style by Armenian architects Balyan, father and son, who also designed the Dolmabahçe Palace. Distinctive features include the "high bay windows" and the floral-patterned frescoes decorating the inside of the dome.

Access & Transport

The mosque is located in the Ortaköy neighbourhood of Beşiktaş district, Buses 40, 40T or 42T bus from Taksim and 22, 22RE or 25E from Kabatas stop on Ciragan Cd.

Instructions & Recommendations

Please check prayer times in advance (closed to tourists during that time) and make sure you are appropriately dressed. Link to Istanbul prayer times: https://namazvakitleri.diyanet.gov.tr/en-US/9541/prayer-time-for-istanbul

Meta review

Online reviews are quite consistent: the mosque is not an absolute must see in the city but definitely worth visiting when in the area. Travellers point out that it is much smaller than the main Istanbul mosques, but it feels much more elegant, bright and it benefits from a fantastic waterside location.

Environmental & Social

No environmental impact and helps preserve the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

Ortaköy Mosque looks and feels different from the major and larger mosques of Istanbul. Much more artwork than monument. If you have more than 3 days in town, we would recommend including it in your itinerary and have dinner in one of the many restaurants in the area.

Key positive

Bright and airy interior

Photogenic setting

A lot of F&B options along the Bosphorus shore

Key negative

Not in a touristic district

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed during prayer times

av. transport time:0h 35m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 18:00

Tuesday09:00 - 18:00

Wednesday09:00 - 18:00

Thursday09:00 - 18:00

Friday09:00 - 18:00

Saturday09:00 - 18:00

Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Donations are welcome
Free

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