History

Ortakoy Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul, is in Ortakoy on the Bosphorus. The mosque, which fascinates with its neo baroque style, is frequented by tourists and Istanbulites. So, what is the story of this historical mosque? Which features stand out in its architecture? 

Ortakoy Mosque History 

There was a masjid built in 1721 by Mahmud Aga, the son-in-law of Vizier Ibrahim Pasha, where the Ortaköy Mosque is located. In 1853, Sultan Abdülmecid decided to build a new mosque to replace this mosque, which was destroyed in 1731 during the Patrona Halil Rebellion. 

The mosque was designed by Armenian-born architect Nigoğos Balyan and completed in 1856. Also known as the Grand Mecidiye Mosque, it is one of the most important mosques built during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. 

Ortaköy Mosque was built in Neobaroque style. Made of white cut stone, the mosque has a single dome and two minarets. The minarets have single balconies and are reached by stairs. The walls of the dome are covered with pink mosaic. The mihrab and minbar are made of marble. 

The mosque underwent various repairs in 1862, 1866, 1894, 1964 and 1984. In the 1894 earthquake, the minarets and dome of the mosque were damaged. During the repair, the minarets were rebuilt without fluting. 

Ortaköy Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. The mosque, which has one of the most beautiful views of the Bosphorus, is one of the tourist hotspots. The mosque has also been featured in many movies and TV series. 

Ortakoy Mosque Architecture 

Ortaköy Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. The architect of the mosque, built in neo baroque style, is Nigoğos Balyan of Armenian origin. 

Architectural Features: 

- It is made of white cut stone. 

- It has a rectangular plan. 

- It has a single dome. The walls of the dome are covered with pink mosaic. 

- It has two minarets. Minarets have a single balcony and are reached by stairs. 

- Mihrab and minbar are made of marble. 

- The interior and exterior of the mosque are decorated with various ornaments. These decorations include pencil work, plaster ornamentation, stained glass and mosaic. 

Some noteworthy elements of the architecture of the Ortaköy Mosque: 

- Baroque and Rococo style ornaments were used on the facade and interior of the mosque. 

- The single dome of the mosque is an important feature of Baroque architecture. 

- The mosque's two minarets are a traditional element of Ottoman Mosque architecture. 

- The walls of the dome are covered with pink mosaic, giving the mosque a unique appearance. 

- The fountain in the courtyard of the mosque is used for ablution rituals.

Ortaköy Mosque is one of the most important architectural monuments of Istanbul. The mosque, which has one of the most beautiful views of the Bosphorus, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. After visiting the mosque, you can enjoy the Bosphorus and stay at Sura Hotel in Sultanahmet, the heart of the historical peninsula. You can visit the website https://surahotels.com/ for online reservation.