Çamlıca Mosque, Contemporary mosque in Üsküdar district, Turkey
Çamlıca Mosque is a house of prayer on the highest point of the Asian side of Istanbul, rising above the city with its six minarets and central dome visible from afar. The entire complex spreads across several floors and houses not only prayer rooms but also a spacious courtyard with fountains and covered walkways.
Construction began in 2013 after more than a decade of planning and opened to worshippers in 2019. The architecture follows principles of Ottoman style, with modern elements such as earthquake protection and contemporary building materials.
The name refers to the Çamlıca Hill where pine trees once shaped the landscape and today the view extends over the city. Visitors entering see the large prayer halls used separately by men and women, while the washing areas before prayer are frequently used.
Visitors should cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering prayer rooms. Those looking around outside prayer times move more quietly through the building and have more space to observe the interior.
The prayer hall sits at the level of the sixth floor and thus allows wide views over the surrounding urban area. On clear days the view reaches the Princes' Islands chain in the Sea of Marmara south of Istanbul.
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