Istanbul’s unique geographical location is made even more fascinating by the magnificent mosques scattered along the shores of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. These spiritual structures, which are easily accessible from Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel and integrated with the water view, offer unforgettable experiences to their visitors with their architectural beauty and historical importance.
Ortaköy Mosque (Büyük Mecidiye Mosque)
Ortakoy Mosque, known as the pearl of the Bosphorus, is a neo-baroque masterpiece that can be reached in approximately 25 minutes from Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel. Built in 1853 by Sultan Abdülmecid, this elegant structure is a favorite of photography enthusiasts, especially with its view of the Bosphorus Bridge at sunset.
Architectural Features:
- Elegant exterior built of white marble
- Thin minarets and carved decorations on the dome
- Magnificent chandeliers and examples of calligraphy in the interior
- A unique location with a platform extending to the sea
Best Time to Visit: In the evening hours, the mosque’s white marble facade turns golden in the sunset light.
Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
This magnificent work built by Mimar Sinan on the Üsküdar coast draws attention with its unique location integrated with the sea view. Built in the 16th century in the name of Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, the mosque can be reached by ferry from Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel in approximately 30 minutes.
Architectural Features:
- Single minaret with double balconies and a central dome
- Natural light filtering through large windows
- İznik tiles and marble work inside
- Its location overlooking Europe from the Asian side of the city
Best Time to Visit: Morning hours are particularly impressive as the sunlight entering from the east side illuminates the interior.
Dolmabahçe Mosque (Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Mosque)
Located next to Dolmabahçe Palace, this elegant mosque was built by Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan between 1853-1855. The Neo-Baroque style structure virtually blends with the waters of the Bosphorus. It can be reached from Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel by tram and bus in approximately 20 minutes.
Architectural Features:
- Elegant exterior influenced by Western architecture
- Two minarets with two balconies and a central dome
- Crystal chandeliers and stained glass work inside
- Panoramic Bosphorus view with its location on the seaside
Best Visit Time: In the afternoon, the reflections of the blue of the Bosphorus on the mosque’s facade are striking.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Golden Horn View
This sacred place located at the end of the Golden Horn is one of the important visiting points of the Islamic world. This complex, which also houses the tomb of Eyüp El-Ensari, the standard bearer of Hz. Muhammed, can be reached by a 20-minute drive from Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel.
Architectural Features:
- Ottoman classical period architecture
- Valuable Iznik tiles in the interior
- Historical cemeteries in and around the mosque courtyard
- Its location overlooking the Golden Horn and its proximity to Pierre Loti Hill
Best Visit Time: Friday mornings are when the spiritual atmosphere is most intense.
Suleymaniye Mosque and Panoramic View
This magnificent structure, which Mimar Sinan called “my apprenticeship work”, is located on one of the highest hills in Istanbul and offers a panoramic view of both the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. It is a 15-20 minute walk from Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel.
Architectural Features:
- Magnificent silhouette with four minarets
- 53-meter-high central dome
- Iznik tiles and stained glass work
- Madrasah, soup kitchen and bath in the mosque complex
Best Time to Visit: The mystical atmosphere created by the sunlight filtering through the dome windows at noon is impressive.
New Mosque (Valide Sultan Mosque) and Harbor View
This magnificent structure, located in Eminönü, right next to the Galata Bridge, was completed by Valide Sultan in the 17th century. It is a 10-minute walk from Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel.
Architectural Features:
- Six minarets with two balconies and stepped domes
- More than 20,000 Iznik tiles in the interior
- Exterior design with birdhouses
- Dominating the view of the Golden Horn and the harbor
Best Time to Visit: In the afternoon, when the sun moves west, the gilded finials of the mosque dome shine.
Transportation Information from Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel
- Ortaköy Mosque: 25 minutes by tram and bus
- Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque: 30 minutes by ferry from Eminönü
- Dolmabahçe Mosque: 20 minutes by tram and bus
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque: 20 minutes by bus or boat
- Süleymaniye Mosque: 15-20 minutes on foot
- Yeni Mosque: 10 minutes on foot
Visiting Tips
- Appropriate attire (long trousers/skirts, tops that cover the shoulders) is required when visiting mosques
- Headscarves for female visitors can be provided at the entrance to most mosques
- Care should be taken not to disturb worshippers during prayer times
- It is recommended to obtain permission before taking photos
- Most mosques are closed to touristic visitors during Friday afternoon prayers
- Some mosques have souvenir and book sales points
During your stay at Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel, our reception will be happy to guide you on how to reach these spiritual structures and their visiting hours. Visiting these sacred places of Istanbul, which are integrated with water, is one of the most impressive ways to discover the spiritual and architectural richness of the city. The minarets rising from the blue of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn are the most elegant witnesses of Istanbul having hosted many cultures and beliefs throughout history. Amiral Palace Boutique Hotel is honored to guide you on this unforgettable spiritual journey.
Leave a comment