Ayazma Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Üsküdar, Turkey
Ayazma Mosque is an Ottoman place of worship with a single dome and slender minaret set on a hillside in Üsküdar overlooking the waterway below. Five arches form the sheltered entrance reached by a wide semicircular staircase.
A sultan commissioned this mosque in the 1750s as a memorial to a deceased family member. The structure reflects architectural styles used in Istanbul during that period of the city's development.
The interior features Ottoman Baroque decoration with carved stone details around the prayer niche and pulpit that show artistic taste from the 1700s. Visitors notice the ornamental patterns and craftsmanship that reflect how religious spaces were designed during that period.
The site is built on a hillside so wear comfortable walking shoes and allow time for climbing stairs. Visitors should know that active prayer times occur throughout the day and respectful behavior is expected inside.
The outer walls are decorated with carved birdhouses, showing attention to small details in Ottoman design. These features reveal how practical elements were woven into the building's overall appearance.
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