Ortaköy Mosque, Ottoman mosque on Bosphorus shore in Beşiktaş, Turkey
Ortaköy Mosque is a house of prayer on the Bosphorus shore in Beşiktaş with a Baroque design, two slender minarets, and numerous large windows. The exterior and interior feature marble and carved stone decorations that give the building an elegant appearance.
The building was constructed between 1854 and 1856 and replaced an earlier structure from 1720 that had been destroyed. This new mosque emerged during a period of major architectural change across Istanbul.
The interior displays calligraphy that shows how art and prayer connect in this space. These decorative details reflect the artistic traditions that visitors can still see today when walking through the prayer halls.
The site is accessible to visitors during the day, with separate areas for men and women. Photography is permitted in certain zones, and it is advisable to respect prayer times when access may be limited.
Its location directly on the waterfront makes this prayer house a striking landmark clearly visible from ferries and boats crossing the Bosphorus. This positioning makes it a favored photography spot for visitors exploring the strait from the water.
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