Selim Üsküdar Mosque

The Selimiye Mosque is a place of worship in Üsküdar featuring a large central dome and two slender minarets, with finely worked stone forming its exterior walls. The interior contains marble work arranged to highlight the main prayer area beneath the grand dome.

Sultan Selim III commissioned construction of this mosque between 1801 and 1805 as part of broader military reforms in Istanbul. The building emerged during a period when the ruler combined modernization efforts with traditional religious architecture.

The prayer hall displays ornate calligraphy with Quranic verses adorning its walls throughout. These intricate details show the skilled craftsmanship that characterizes Ottoman religious decoration.

The mosque sits next to Selimiye Barracks and receives visitors during non-prayer hours through separate entrances. It helps to check prayer times before visiting to find the quietest moments for walking through.

The prayer hall breaks from traditional design by placing side galleries outside the main space rather than within it. This creates an open, airy interior beneath the dome that sets it apart from conventional mosque layouts.

Location: Üsküdar

Architects: Mimar Sinan

Architectural style: Ottoman architecture

Made from material: dimension stone

GPS coordinates: 41.00970,29.01660

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03