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Istanbul is one of the most prominent tourist cities and is the cultural capital of Turkey. The city is visited by many tourists from all over the world every year due to its unique and scenic historical and recreational attractions. In TurkeyGuzel Magazine, however, we intend to introduce and review some of the most important and popular tourist and historical attractions of Istanbul. Join us.
One of the best and most popular tourist attractions in the Bosphorus of Istanbul is the Ortakoy Mosque. The mosque, also known as the Büyük Mecidiye, is in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. However, in Istanbul, Ortaköy Mosque is one of the most extraordinary historical sites in the city.
with its magnificent, magnificent, and ancient architecture, the mosque is one of the main tourist attractions of Istanbul. Ortakoy Mosque is located next to the Bosphorus Strait, which has made the mosque even more attractive. This magnificent mosque is mentioned as a paradise for souvenir photos.
Next to the Bosphorus Bridge Strait, the landscape of Ortakoy Mosque is a picturesque view that dazzles the eyes. The view of the mosque from the ships on the water is very pure, scenic, and pleasant.
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As you walk from the Bosphorus Strait to the mosque, you will see the modern Bosphorus Bridge and the mosque side by side in a frame. However, there are many mosques in the beautiful city of Istanbul, each with a charming view. Still, the Ortakoy Mosque benefits from an amazing and unique view because it is located by the sea and the Bosphorus Strait.
Meanwhile, the mosque is also named Sultan Abdul Majid Grand Mosque in historical books. This mosque is named after Ortakoy- a square pier next to the Bosphorus Strait.
Ortakoy Mosque Background
In 1721, the son-in-law of Minister Vizier Ibrahim Pasha ordered the construction of the Ortakoy Mosque; however, the mosque was not built that year due to riots in Istanbul. In 1854 and 1856, the mosque was ordered to be made by Abdul Majid I.
Therefore, this great and magnificent mosque was built between 1854 and 1856 by Sultan Abdul Majid I. Sultan Abdul Majid I is the 31st Ottoman emperor. For this reason, this person’s name has been placed on this mosque. The mosque was also designed by an Armenian named Garabet Amira Balyan and his son, Nikoğos Balyan.
The architect of Ortakoy Mosque benefited from the Neo-Baroque style in the mosque’s construction. The mosque has been rebuilt several times throughout history, most recently in 2014 in various parts of the mosque.
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Exterior Facade of the Ortaköy Mosque
The design of the Ortakoy Mosque is unique and unforgettable. The interior decoration of the mosque is elementary and exquisite. The exterior of the mosque is covered with marble, and many reliefs and engravings can be seen on the surface.
The mosque building is made of two parts, and a beautiful dome can be seen on the central part of the mosque. Also, in this section, there are two rows of windows. These large, tall windows are designed to reflect the light of the Bosphorus into the mosque.
Ortakoy Mosque has two minarets, on each of which there is a shrine. The recesses on the minarets are decorated with white marble and mosaic, and the highest part of the minarets is made of marble and covered with magnificent stones.
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Interior Facade of the Ortakoy Mosque
The main entrance of the Ortakoy Mosque is in the north of Istanbul. In front of the entrance of Ortakoy Mosque, there is a white fence when you enter the mosque, you will encounter an optical staircase.
Going up the stairs of the mosque, you can see the shrine buildings that are in front of you as you enter the mosque. On both sides of the mosque, straightforward paths have been built for worshipers. However, one of the attractions of the Ortakoy Mosque is the unique view of the Bosphorus Strait in front of the eyes of the worshipers, which has created an incredible effect.
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The mosque also consists of a square main room with a dome-shaped roof covered with pink mosaics. Also, the windowsills inside the mosque are covered with white marble; the beauty and uniqueness dazzle the eyes.
Continue the stairs of the mosque for a while, and one would face the most beautiful part of the mosque, where nine magnificent chandeliers are hung in regular rows with unique beauty.
In the interior of the Ortakoy Mosque, the names of Allah, Abu Bakr, Omar, and Ali can be seen in the Nasta’liq script. Inside the mosque, there are pleasing and valuable paintings and writings that are very mysterious and the writings by Sultan Abdul Majid I.
Visiting Customs of the Ortakoy Mosque
Ortakoy Mosque is not only a tourist attraction in Istanbul, but it is also a religious place. To enter this religious and tourist place, you must follow the relevant customs. The public can enter the Ortakoy Mosque, but both men and women must wear the hijab. At the mosque entrance, unique covers in blue and pink colors have been placed for the entry of unveiled people.
Also, during the call to prayer, tourists are not allowed to enter the mosque. Therefore, if you reach this area during the call to prayer, you should wait a while for the time to visit. The Ortakoy Mosque, like other mosques in the charming city of Istanbul, opens during the morning call to prayer, and worshipers offer prayers. Also, visiting this mosque is free, and there is no entrance fee.
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Photography and Ortakoy Mosque
Ortakoy Mosque is a lovely place for photography by people who want to portray old and new Istanbul. This magnificent mosque is located next to the beach, and the background of the modern Bosphorus Bridge is a great place for photography. Therefore, gorgeous photos can be taken next to the magnificent Ortakoy Mosque and the beautiful Bosphorus Bridge.
The best way to capture moments and emotions with pigeons is to photograph the Bosphorus Strait, passing ships, the scenic view of the Bosphorus Bridge, the steam of street food being cooked, and the Ortakoy Mosque. Thus, capture the memories in your camera frame and keep this souvenir to remember the unique memories of traveling to the beautiful city of Istanbul.
Foodies
Delicious street food is cooked around the Ortakoy Mosque, where you would enjoy delicious foods. You will not regret trying stuffed potato, which is a delicious street food that you should try on your trip.
Playgrounds around Ortakoy Mosque
Ortakoy Mosque is linked to street passion. Ortakoy is a lively district where people gather to listen to concerts and drink tea on the terraces of cafes.
So, do not forget to visit Ortakoy Mosque on your trip, and spend time and wander the cobbled streets of the Ortakoy district because you will find many bars, cafes, galleries, and handicraft stalls.
You can also walk from the Ortakoy Mosque to the Asian Bridge and visit and enjoy the Beylerbeyi Palace and the summer residences of the Ottoman sultans.
There are many restaurants, bars, and nightlife around the Ortakoy Mosque, which provide a cozy and delightful atmosphere for tourists.
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Seeding pigeons
One of the attractions around the Ortakoy Mosque is the pigeons. The pigeons around the Ortakoy Mosque provide a dreamy and unique view of the area. So, enjoy seeding the birds.
Final Remark
The Ortakoy Mosque looks like a dream painting and dazzles the eye with its unique beauty. Once you travel to Istanbul, spend one of the evenings next to the Ortakoy Mosque because it provides a unique and unforgettable landscape.
Therefore, Ortakoy Mosque and the surrounding district are some of Istanbul’s most magnificent tourist attractions, which captivate any viewer with their flawless neo-baroque architecture.
In the end, we recommend you to read about the best time to visit Antalya in TurkeyGuzel.
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