The Grand Çamlıca Mosque, located on Çamlıca Hill in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, is a place of worship and holds the distinction of being the largest mosque in Turkey. Its architecture blends traditional Ottoman and Seljuk styles with modern lines, making it a prominent feature of Istanbul's skyline. The mosque was officially opened on May 3, 2019, with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The foundation of the mosque was laid on August 7, 2013, on Çamlıca Hill, and after a six-year construction process, it was completed. The building is constructed as a large complex, and beyond being a place of worship, it also includes cultural and artistic spaces such as an art gallery, a library, a conference hall, art workshops, and the Museum of Islamic Civilizations.
Çamlıca Mosque (Source: Pexels/Bozan Güzel)
Architectural Features and Structure
The Grand Çamlıca Mosque is notable for its main dome, which stands 72 meters high. The dome symbolizes the 72 nations of Istanbul, with its 34-meter diameter representing the city itself. One of the most striking features of the mosque is the world's largest crescent on top of the main dome, which measures 3.12 meters in width, 7.77 meters in height, and weighs 4.5 tons. This crescent is decorated using nanotechnology and is composed of three parts.
The mosque's minarets also attract attention. The mosque has six minarets in total, with four measuring 107.1 meters in height and two measuring 90 meters. The size of the minarets is designed in reference to the Battle of Manzikert. The main entrance of the mosque is 5 meters wide and 6.5 meters high, and it includes one of the largest mosque doors in the world.
Çamlıca Mosque (Source: NTV)
Complex and Additional Features
The Grand Çamlıca Mosque is not only a place of worship but also an important center for cultural and artistic activities. The complex surrounding the mosque includes 8 art workshops, a 3,500-square-meter art gallery, a 3,000-square-meter library, a 1,071-person conference hall, and a 3,500-vehicle capacity underground parking lot. These features transform the mosque into a multifunctional structure.
Additionally, the Museum of Islamic Civilizations offers a great cultural richness, displaying over 600 pieces in a 10,000-square-meter space. The museum exhibits the historical development of Islamic art, artifacts from the Ottoman Empire, and religious sacred relics. It is enriched with digital installations and interactive applications, offering a modern experience beyond the traditional museum concept.
Universal Design and Accessibility
The Grand Çamlıca Mosque was built with a strong emphasis on universal design principles. The mosque is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, with necessary arrangements made so that everyone can pray. Access to the mosque is provided through ramps, elevators, and escalators specifically designed for wheelchair users. Furthermore, technological infrastructures, such as frequency organization and visual warning systems, are available for hearing-impaired individuals.
The mosque includes accessible toilets, automatic doors, spacious interior arrangements, and designs suitable for all users' needs. Access to different levels is facilitated by stairs, ramps, and elevators.
Visitor Interest and Social Impact
Since its opening, the Grand Çamlıca Mosque has attracted great interest, drawing visitors from both Istanbul and around the world. The mosque can accommodate 65,000 people for prayer at once, and on the busiest days, this number can exceed 70,000. The complex has become not only a religious worship space but also a major attraction for local and international tourists.
