Istanbul Tesvikiye Mosque

Teşvikiye Mosque, which also gives its name to the neighborhood in Şişli district of Istanbul, is one of the prominent Ottoman works in the city. The mosque, which is centrally located between two long streets, was first built in 1795 and rebuilt in 1854. The structure, which underwent significant repairs in the 19th century, has recently undergone restoration.

It has a large courtyard where two stones called target stones, where Ottoman sultans practiced their rifles, are located. Teşvikiye Mosque, which has a plan close to a square, draws attention with its spacious interior. The narthex between the mosque and the courtyard opens from the ground floor.

The entrance facade differs from many works of the same period. It bears traces of Western architecture. It reminds us of Dolmabahçe Mosque and Ortaköy Mosque. The northern facade can be considered separately because it reminds us of official state buildings rather than mosques. Marble columns, coats of arms with tughras, and inscription panels are prominent here.

In general, elegant decorations are noticeable both inside and outside the mosque. It has a single minaret. Rising in a shopping center with cafes and various cultural areas in its vicinity, Teşvikiye Mosque is an inseparable part of the cosmopolitan silhouette of the region.