Pertevniyal Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Aksaray district, Istanbul, Turkey
Pertevniyal Mosque is a religious building in the Aksaray district of Istanbul. A central dome measuring 10 meters across sits above a tall cylindrical base with multiple windows, while two spiral minarets stand at either side of the structure.
The complex was built between 1868 and 1871 to replace an earlier mosque on the site. It was commissioned by Pertevniyal Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdulaziz, who wanted to create a new religious center for the community.
The mosque blends Gothic and Indian architectural influences with traditional Ottoman design in its prayer hall and marble decorations. Visitors notice these mixed styles throughout the space, creating a distinctive setting for worship and contemplation.
The complex includes a prayer hall, school, tomb, library, timekeeper's house, and police station alongside six fountains and seven shops spread across the grounds. All facilities are contained within a single enclosed compound that visitors can explore as one integrated space.
Four corner minarets shaped by Indian architectural influence stand at each side of the building, setting it apart from other mosques built during that era. This bold design choice brought architectural styles from distant lands directly into the neighborhood of Istanbul.
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