Great Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)

The historical building, generally known as Ortaköy Mosque but the real name of which is Great Mecidiye Mosque, is located within the borders of Ortaköy quarter of Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. Great Mecidiye Mosque with a typical neo baroque style architecture, was built by Nigoğos Balyan, the architect by the request of Sultan Abdülmecid in 1853.

In addition to its Baroque style, the Great Mecidiye Mosque, which stands out with its central location on the Bosphorus, has two separate sections, consisting of the sultan and the harem, just like other selatin mosques (it is the name given to the mosques built by the sultans during the Ottoman Empire). 

Another detail that adds beauty to this historical building, which provides the unique beauty of the Bosphorus and a photo of it is taken by every local and foreign tourist coming to Istanbul without exception, is the wide and high windows. The Great Mecidiye Mosque, reached by stairs, is of great interest due to its walls made of white face stone in addition to having two minarets with a single minaret balcony. The pulpit of the Great Mecidiye Mosque, the mihrab of which is made of marble and mosaic and is definitely worth seeing, is also made of famous covered marble. One of the greatest restorations of the Great Mecidiye Mosque, where you will encounter fine workmanship in every part, is the restoration carried out by the General Directorate of Foundations between 2011 and 2014.

The Great Mecidiye Mosque, which was built in 1853 and opened to worship in 1854, has a dome and two minarets. The Great Mecidiye Mosque, which is open to worship and visits currently and is located at one of the points offering perhaps the most beautiful Bosphorus view in Istanbul, is still considered among the most touristic architectures of the city.