Dolmabahce Mosque, Istanbul

Dolmabahce Mosque, Istanbul

The Dolmabahçe Mosque in Istanbul's Beyoğlu area is a prime example of Ottoman design, complementing the nearby historical Dolmabahçe Palace. It was started in 1853 at the request of Queen Mother Bezmialem Valide Sultan, aiming to showcase the impressive architectural skills of the Ottoman era and to provide a place for worship. The design was the work of Garabet Balyan, who used a mix of Baroque, Rococo, and Empire styles to create something truly special. Unfortunately, the project faced a setback when Queen Bezmi passed away, leading her son, Sultan Abdülmecid, to finish the mosque in 1855.

Its prime location by the Bosphorus makes the Dolmabahçe Mosque a great spot for views, adding to the experience of those who visit. It's easily recognized by its large dome and two tall minarets that stand symmetrically, making it a notable feature against the city's skyline. The outside of the mosque is covered with many glass windows, which let in plenty of light and show off the size and design of the building.

The mosque's exterior clearly exhibits Baroque style. But it's the inside that really draws people in. The walls are decorated with beautiful Arabic calligraphy that includes important Islamic phrases, set against a colorful backdrop. The mosque's interior, adorned with intricate gold designs, floral patterns on the ceiling, and a captivating chandelier, is simply breathtaking. The floor is marble and covered with carpets for prayer, adding to the mosque's serene atmosphere.

In a twist of history, the mosque was used as the Naval Museum from 1956 to 1960, which was a departure from its original religious function, before it went back to being a mosque in 1967. Recent changes, like the expansion of nearby roads, have led to the loss of its original courtyard and sebil, altering its historical look slightly. Despite these changes, the Dolmabahçe Mosque continues to be a standout piece of Ottoman architecture and a place of spiritual importance, attracting visitors and worshippers with its history and beauty.

Tip:
The entrance is not charged for, but make sure not to step on the carpet with shoes on!

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Istanbul. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Dolmabahce Mosque on Map

Sight Name: Dolmabahce Mosque
Sight Location: Istanbul, Turkey (See walking tours in Istanbul)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Istanbul, Turkey

Create Your Own Walk in Istanbul

Create Your Own Walk in Istanbul

Creating your own self-guided walk in Istanbul is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Istanbul Introduction Walking Tour

Istanbul Introduction Walking Tour

Formerly known as “Byzantium”, “Constantinople” and “New Rome”, Istanbul is the main city of Turkey, straddling the Bosphorus Strait, and as such, bridging the gap between Europe and Asia, both geographically and culturally. This ancient transcontinental metropolis embraces cultural influences of the many empires and civilizations that once ruled and flourished on this land.

...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Istanbul Old City Walking Tour

Istanbul Old City Walking Tour

Situated at the heart of Old Istanbul, the Sultanahmet neighborhood is a fascinating hub of historical timeline. Dramatically located on a peninsula pointing across the Bosphorus Strait to Asia, this area was formerly an administrative pole of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and as such, reflects numerous influences of the cultures once prevalent here.

Whether you feel like walking...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Byzantine Heritage Walking Tour

Byzantine Heritage Walking Tour

Originated as a Greek city called Byzantium, what's now known as Istanbul initially made name as Constantinople, an Eastern Roman imperial capital whose greatness had lasted for over a millennium, from 330 AD until the Ottoman invasion in 1453.

The Byzantine Empire’s rich cultural and architectural heritage is still preserved in dazzling sites throughout the city. Away from its Islamic...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Asian Side and Bosphorus Walking Tour

Asian Side and Bosphorus Walking Tour

Istanbul is the only megalopolis in the world that straddles two continents. The Bosphorus Strait splits Turkey's biggest city into two parts: European and Asian. The latter, known locally as Asya Yakası (“Asian Side”), or more commonly as Anadolu Yakası (“Anatolian Side”), is found east of the strait, geographically on the Asian mainland.

The vast Anatolian shore, wrongly...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Istanbul City Walls

Istanbul City Walls

One of the most elaborate fortification systems of ancient times, the Walls of Constantinople were built by Constantine the Great to protect the city, the then newly-established capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, from attacks by land and sea. Of these, only the Golden Gate, an old ceremonial gateway into the city, had survived by the late Byzantine Era when a new series of land walls were added...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Bosphorus Coast Walking Tour

Bosphorus Coast Walking Tour

One of the planet's most praised stretches of water, the Bosphorus is a source of great pride for Istanbulites and of admiration for travelers. The 30-km strait dividing Europe and Asia and connecting the Marmara with the Black Sea is one of the city's highlights, having been for all ages the subject of legend and art.

This self-guided walk will take you along the coast so that you...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Istanbul Shopping Guide: 16 Turkish Items To Bring Home

Istanbul Shopping Guide: 16 Turkish Items To Bring Home

Istanbul, known throughout history as Byzantium and Constantinople, has been a major center of commerce and trade, a place where merchants and general folk would rush to regularly in search of exotic things. In our days, modern travelers to Istanbul are also bound to enjoy a truly magnificent...