My next virtual walk through Istanbul is dedicated to the Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Mosque, a structure located at the intersection of two major city roads. What struck me most about the building was the richness of its façade decoration and its vibrant main prayer hall.
History of the Mosque
The Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Mosque was originally part of a külliye — an Ottoman charitable complex that typically included a mosque, madrasa, hospital, and other structures. In the Ottoman Empire, such külliyes often became the focal point of their neighborhoods. The Pertevniyal Valide Sultan complex included a school, a mausoleum, a fountain, and a room for determining prayer times.
The patron of the mosque’s construction was Pertevniyal Valide Sultan, mother of Sultan Abdulaziz. Her burial site was also established within the complex. Originally, she was buried in the mosque’s inner courtyard, but her grave was later moved to its current location during the expansion of the tram line.
The mosque’s foundation stone was laid in 1869. Different sources name different architects for the complex. Some say it was designed by the Italian architect Montani, while others claim it was built by the Balyan brothers — a name I previously mentioned in my article about Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace.
Alongside the construction of the mosque, Pertevniyal Valide Sultan also commissioned her own mausoleum. In addition to the sultan’s mother, other members of the family were later buried there as well.
One city guidebook mentions that the Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Mosque is not considered a standout example of architecture. I would disagree with that — in my opinion, this building is absolutely worth the attention of architecture enthusiasts. I’ve visited many times, and the mosque never fails to fascinate me. The façades feature Neo-Gothic elements, while the decorative style blends Turkish and Indian motifs.
How to Get There
The mosque is located directly across from the Aksaray tram stop (T1 line). The exits of the metro station with the same name are also just a few minutes away. You can conveniently plan your route by public transportation using the Moovit app.
Although the trams on this line are often crowded with tourists and locals, it’s still a convenient way to reach many historical sites in the central part of the city. Just one stop away are the ruins of the Forum of Theodosius, and a few stops further you'll find the world-famous Basilica Cistern.
Have a nice trip!
