Mihrişah Valide Sultan Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Beyoğlu, Turkey
Mihrişah Valide Sultan Mosque is an 18th-century prayer house in Istanbul topped by a large central dome surrounded by smaller cupolas that shape its profile. Its courtyard is ringed by columned passageways that create sheltered spaces before you enter the main prayer hall.
The building was constructed between 1730 and 1734 at the direction of a high-ranking woman in the court of Sultan Ahmed III, one of the Ottoman Empire's most powerful figures. This period saw wealthy women using their resources to fund religious architecture and shape the city.
The interior showcases traditional Ottoman decoration with blue and green tilework and flowing Arabic script that guide you through the prayer space. These details work together to structure the room according to Islamic principles, directing your attention toward the direction of prayer.
You should remove your shoes before entering, and the storage area is located just inside the entrance. It makes sense to bring a scarf in case you wish to cover your hair, and note where the separate prayer areas for different genders are located.
The mosque stands as evidence of the power of women in the Ottoman elite, showing how an individual from the royal family shaped the religious architecture of an entire city. This was an unusual form of influence for the period.
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