Grand Çamlıca Mosque is located on Çamlıca Hill in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul’s Anatolian side. Dominating the city's skyline, this architectural masterpiece harmonizes contemporary engineering with traditional Ottoman-Turkish architectural elements. Designed to align with the topographic structure of Çamlıca Hill, the mosque's construction began on the Night of Power (Kadir Gecesi) in 2013 and, after six years of meticulous work, was officially opened for worship on March 7, 2019, during the morning prayer of Regaib Kandili.
A special type of concrete was used for the mosque’s structural components, and natural stones sourced from various regions of Anatolia were carefully selected following extensive research. Beyond its architectural details, the choice of construction materials and the precision of their application further underscore the significance of Grand Çamlıca Mosque.
Courtyard
At the entrance from the outer courtyard to the inner courtyard, the Taç Kapı (or Şah Kapı), adorned with marble cladding, captivates visitors with its grandeur. The inner façade of the gate features Verse 77 of Surah Al-Qasas, while the entrance to the main prayer hall is inscribed with Verses 132-136 of Surah Al-Imran. Designed in the classical Ottoman architectural style, the elegant and refined şadırvan (ablution fountain) is positioned at the center of the courtyard, which is surrounded by arcades.
Domes
Grand Çamlıca Mosque features a complex dome system comprising one main dome, four semi-domes, and 80 smaller domes of varying diameters. The main dome, recognized as the highest in Turkey’s Republican history, stands at 72 meters, symbolizing the "72 nations" concept, representing the unity of all ethnic groups under a single dome.
The four massive arches supporting the main dome are inscribed with the entire Surah Al-Fath, while the inner surface of the dome bears 16 names of Allah, inspired by the last two verses of Surah Al-Hashr, in tribute to the 16 Turkish States throughout history.
Minarets
The six minarets of Grand Çamlıca Mosque symbolize the six pillars of faith in Islam.
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Four minarets (each 107.1 meters tall) were constructed in tribute to the Battle of Manzikert (1071).
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Two additional minarets stand at 90 meters in height.
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The total number of 16 balconies (şerefe) across the minarets symbolizes the 16 Turkish States in history.
Complex and Social Facilities
Grand Çamlıca Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a comprehensive cultural and social complex that hosts various events. The complex includes:
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Museum of Islamic Civilizations: Showcasing invaluable artifacts from Islamic history and art.
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Modern Art Gallery: Featuring contemporary artworks by renowned artists.
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Library: Providing a vast archive of books for researchers and visitors.
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1071 Congress and Event Center: Hosting scientific, cultural, and artistic events in Turkey.
Serving as a hub for both religious and cultural activities, Grand Çamlıca Mosque remains one of Istanbul’s and Turkey’s most significant architectural and spiritual landmarks.
