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Discover the magnificent Dolmabahce Mosque where Ottoman Sultans worshipped
Dolmabahçe PalaceDolmabahce Mosque
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Dolmabahce Museum
- Dolmabahce Clock Tower
- Dolmabahce Palace Harem
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
- Dolmabahce Mosque
- Dolmabahce Palace Garden
Contents
Quick facts about Dolmabahce Mosque
- Address: Ömer Avni, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No:34, 34427 Beyoğlu, İstanbul, Turkey
- Year of opening: 1855
- Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM, but closed during prayer time
- Architects: Garabet Balyan and Nigogayos Balyan
- Architectural styles: Ottoman with Neo-Baroque & Rococo style decorations
- Function: Place of worship
Why visit Dolmabahce Mosque?
- Historical significance: Dolmabahce Mosque was the Royal Mosque of the Ottoman Empire since 1855. Sultan Abdulmecid and others after him offered their prayers here. Dignitaries who visited the Sultan were invited to worship in this mosque with him.
- Unique architecture: The Dolmabahce Mosque has an eclectic mix of Ottoman and Baroque architectural styles. Unique huge circular glass windows illuminate this mosque, which is flanked by symmetrical twin minarets.
- Beautiful interiors: Intricate designs cover the Dolmabahce Mosque’s domed ceiling over the main prayer hall. Its walls glow with gold calligraphy on a green background, giving it a regal and tranquil atmosphere.
- Excellent views: Dolmabahce Mosque faces the Bosphorus Strait, providing visitors with panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the Marmara Sea. Its waters provide soothing background music to all those who visit the mosque.
Highlights of Dolmabahce Mosque
Architecture
Dolmabahce Mosque is an aesthetically designed mosque on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, constructed in an eclectic mix of Baroque and Ottoman styles of architecture. Its unique huge circular glass windows make it airy and well-lit. It has also been constructed to withstand seismic activity and stood intact for more than a century before minor repairs and renovations were made.
Minarets
The twin stone minarets towering over the Dolmabahce mosque are symmetrically constructed and located right behind the dome over the main prayer hall. Though they look like smooth marble columns, each minaret is made of fluted columns and has a serefe (minaret balcony) each. These minarets too have withstood many earthquakes but the west side minaret was damaged a few years ago and was repaired recently.
Interiors
Illuminated by huge circular windows, the inside of Dolmabahce mosque is well-lit and airy. It has ornate decorations on the walls and ceilings. The walls are decorated with beautiful Arabic calligraphy. The decorations on the walls and ceiling are intricate and some are made of gold. An ornate and elegant sparkling crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling reflecting various colours during the day.
Architecture & design of Dolmabahce Mosque
Dolmabahce Mosque was designed by Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by Garabet Balyan between 1853 and 1855. It is a fusion of Ottoman and Baroque architectural styles. The dome over the main prayer hall and the symmetrically constructed twin stone minarets, with a balcony each, are distinctly Ottoman. The mosque itself is constructed in an intricate and ornate style reminiscent of Baroque architecture.
The most unique feature of this mosque are the huge circular glass windows that illuminate it with natural daylight. An interesting fact about its design is that it was constructed to withstand earthquakes.
Plan your visit to Dolmabahce Mosque
Opening hours
Location
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM.
Note: The mosque is closed during prayer time
Best time to visit: Dolmabahce mosque is open all year round. But avoid visiting during the First day of the Feast of Sacrifice, the First day of the Ramadan Bairam since it will be very crowded with worshippers.
Address: Ömer Avni, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No:34, 34427 Beyoğlu, İstanbul, Türkiye
Dolmabahce Mosque is located a few metres south of the Dolmabahce Palace. This aesthetic neo-baroque styled mosque is a beautiful landmark along the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. It served as a naval museum for a short while, from 1948 to 1962. After its restoration, it was re-opened for prayers.
Book Dolmabahce Palace tickets
Frequently asked questions about Dolmabahce Mosque
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolmabahce Mosque
Dolmabahce Mosque is located in Istanbul, Turkey, at the southern end of the Dolmabahce Palace compound along the Bosphorus Strait.
Where can I buy Dolmabahce Mosque tickets?
Entry to the mosque is free. Visitors should avoid visiting during prayer times as it is a functioning mosque.
Can I visit Dolmabahce Mosque with Dolmabahce Palace tickets?
Yes, you can visit Dolmabahce Mosque with Dolmabahce Palace tickets.
Who designed Dolmabahce Mosque?
Dolmabahce Mosque was designed by Nigogayos Balyan and Garabat Balyan.
When was Dolmabahce Mosque built?
Dolmabahce Mosque has beautiful glass windows that are not just aesthetic but also functional, since they light up the mosque during day time. Huge ornamental Arabic calligraphy in gold adorns the interiors. The domed ceiling is decorated with intricate ornamental designs and has a beautiful crystal chandelier.
What are the timings of Dolmabahce Mosque?
Dolmabahce Mosque is open between 9 AM and 6 PM. However, we recommend planning your visit so that it doesn’t coincide with prayer times, since this is a place of worship.
Where is Dolmabahce Mosque located?
Dolmabahce Mosque is located at Ömer Avni, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd., Beyoğlu, İstanbul.
Is Dolmabahce Mosque wheelchair accessible?
Yes, wheelchair users can access Dolmabahce Mosque.
Is photography allowed at Dolmabahce Mosque?
Yes, you can take pictures at Dolmabahce Mosque. However, flash photography is not allowed.
Is there a dress code for visiting Dolmabahce Mosque?
Yes. Since this is a place of worship, women must cover their heads and shoulders before entering the mosque. Both men and women must wear clothes that cover the knees. Visitors must take off their shoes before entering.
