Hidayet Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Eminönü district, Istanbul, Turkey
Hidayet Mosque is a rectangular structure featuring two large pointed-arch windows on its Eastern and Western sides, with about 21 windows set in the central dome. The building spans two levels and displays design features that step beyond traditional Ottoman forms.
Sultan Mahmud II commissioned a wooden mosque here in 1813. French architect Alexander Vallaury later rebuilt it in stone, creating a new architectural form in the late 1800s.
The name Hidayet means 'seeking the right path' in Arabic and shows how this building transformed its neighborhood into a religious center. Today, it serves as a place where locals gather for prayer and community.
The building operates on two levels, with daily prayers held in the lower area and larger gatherings conducted in the upper prayer hall. Visitors should note that usage varies depending on prayer times.
The interior features a high ceiling and pointed dome that stand apart from typical Ottoman mosques. This unusual design was introduced by the French architect and created a distinct style rarely seen elsewhere in the city.
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