A week ago, I posted an article on my channel about a boat trip along the Bosphorus. During such a journey, tourists visiting Istanbul can see dozens of attractions in different parts of the city. Among these interesting sites, the Ortaköy Mosque stands out. It is considered one of the main elements of the beautiful Bosphorus landscape and is even compared to a palace.
How to Get There
The mosque is located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. You can get there by bus or ferry. It is convenient to plan your trip using the Moovit app. The nearest metro station, Yıldız, is a 25-minute walk away. The entrance to the metro is on a high hill, so walking there from the mosque can be challenging.
The Ortaköy Mosque is an active mosque, and entry is free.
A Bit of History
The building of the Ortaköy Mosque, also known as Büyük Mecidiye, was constructed between 1853 and 1854. Previously, an earlier 18th-century mosque stood on this site. The building is in the Baroque style, designed by the architect Balyan. The Dolmabahçe Mosque was built according to his project as well, so the buildings have a lot in common.
The Ortaköy Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmejid. Guidebooks mention that a special entrance was built for the ruler, leading inside directly from the Bosphorus. It is likely still there today: one of the mosque's doors is located in the two-story western wing of the building.
The main hall of the mosque looks very elegant: huge chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the dome's design, crowning this splendor, imitates open arches with clouds behind them. The mosque's windows are arranged on two levels. I think that on sunny days, the entire building is flooded with bright light.
The mosque is located in a picturesque area with numerous cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. I've heard that many people come here to try kumpir, a dish made from potatoes with various toppings. A small shopping street with several pavilions where kumpir is prepared is located next to the mosque.
Popular attractions in Istanbul are quite far from here, but you can still find something interesting nearby. For example, Yıldız Park is a 15-minute walk from the mosque. This well-maintained recreation area with small bridges floating above the ground is perfect for leisurely walks among the greenery.
Have a nice trip!
