Şakirin Mosque, Modern mosque in Üsküdar, Turkey
The Şakirin Mosque is a house of prayer in Üsküdar with a central dome made from aluminum composite and two 35-meter minarets rising from the structure. The building includes an underground parking area and spaces designed for community gatherings and rotating exhibitions.
The mosque opened in 2009, built by the Semiha Şakir Foundation as a memorial to İbrahim Şakir and Semiha Şakir. It was constructed as a modern structure that honors its founders while embracing contemporary architectural principles and design.
The interior blends Seljuk patterns with modern design choices, reflecting a fresh approach to worship spaces. This was the first mosque in Turkey where a woman designed the interior, marking a shift in how such spaces could be imagined and created.
The building accommodates around 500 worshippers and provides clear pathways and orientation points throughout the complex. Large windows and open areas make it easy to navigate and create comfortable conditions for exploring.
The large windows were specially designed by artist Orhan Koçan to filter natural light into the prayer hall in a particular way. A water feature by artist William Pye in the courtyard adds a calming visual layer to the overall space.
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