Dolmabahçe Mosque, Baroque mosque in Beyoğlu, Turkey
Dolmabahçe Mosque is a baroque mosque in Beyoğlu featuring two stone minarets, a large central dome, and circular glass windows. The building sits near the waterfront and allows light to flow into the interior prayer space through its distinctive window design.
The mosque was completed in 1855 as a commission from Queen Mother Bezmialem Valide Sultan. Architect Garabet Balyan built it near Dolmabahçe Palace, where it remains today.
The interior walls feature golden Arabic calligraphy set against green backgrounds, with religious inscriptions that repeat throughout the prayer space. Visitors immediately notice how these ornamental details shape the overall appearance of the prayer hall.
The building welcomes visitors daily with extended hours that span early morning through evening. Prayer times and religious holidays may affect access, so plan your visit accordingly.
From 1956 to 1960, the building housed the Naval Museum before returning to its role as a prayer space. This temporary transformation reflects an interesting chapter in the location's past.
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