How To Visit The Grand Camlica Mosque Istanbul

Nestled atop the lush hills of Istanbul’s Uskadar district is the architectural marvel, Çamlıca Mosque.

This is Istanbul’s largest mosque, and stands as a beacon of beauty and tranquility in the heart of a bustling and vibrant city.

Although a relatively new attraction, having only opened in 2019, it has quickly become one of the must-see destinations for anyone wanting to experience the rich cultural and religious landscape of Istanbul.

Known for its breathtaking architecture, panoramic views of the Bosphorus, and serene atmosphere, the Çamlıca Mosque is a captivating site worth making the trip for.

If you’re thinking of visiting, but not sure how to get there, what to wear, what to see and more, this guide has everything you need to know.

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History of Camlica Mosque

The Çamlıca Mosque is one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul, and was officially inaugurated in 2019, and took six years to build.

Its roots can be traced back to the vision of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who aimed to create a grand mosque that would reflect the nation’s economic strength, and cost approximately $110 million USD to build.

The mosque was designed by two talented female architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu, who drew inspiration from various historical styles, blending traditional Ottoman aesthetics, particularly from the Ottoman Empire’s chief architect, of Mimar Sinan, with contemporary elements.

With its impressive capacity to accommodate over 63,000 worshippers, it features intricate calligraphy, stunning mosaics, and beautifully landscaped gardens, an education center, art gallery and museum, library, underground parking, public kitchen, and a serene courtyard.

The mosque is known to be one of three mosques in Turkey to have six minarets, while most mosques have four. The six minarets represent the six articles of Islam.

📚 Read more: Most Famous Landmarks In Istanbul You Can’t Miss

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How To Get To Camlica Mosque

The Çamlıca Mosque is located ontop of Camlica Hill in the Uskidar neighborhood of Istanbul, on the Asian side of the city.

The best way to get to the mosque is to take the Metro to Kısıklı. From here, it’s a 20 minute walk to Camlica Mosque, and although it’s uphill all the way, the route passes through the lush, green park of Camlica Park.

As you exit the station at Kisikli, continue along the main road (Alemdag Cd), before turning left onto Turistik Çamlıca Cd.

Walk along this road for about 15 minutes, and you’ll notice the entrance to Camlica Park on the right. Cross the road and enter the park, and you basically just follow the path up the hill until you reach the top.

From the top you’ll see a few winding trails around the park and a playground for children to play on. The path to the Camlica Mosque is on the left and is signposted within the park.

If walking is a problem for you, you can also get a bus to Camlica Mosque. The 14F from Kisikli Station takes you directly to the mosque and runs every 15 minutes. You can see the bus schedule here.

📚 Read more: Getting Around Istanbul: How To Use Public Transport in Istanbul

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What To See At Camlica Mosque

On your visit to Camlica Mosque, there are a few notable highlights to look out for…

Camlica Mosque Worship Hall

Before you enter the Çamlıca Mosque, remove your shoes and place them in the storage room outside the worship hall. Then, you can enter the main prayer space inside the mosque and feel the serene atmosphere that immediately greets you.

The vast space has been designed with minimal, and light designs, allowing your eyes to be drawn to the strikingly high dome that reaches upward, symbolizing a connection to the divine.

The interior has been designed with intricate geometric patterns on the carpet and tiling, and Islamic calligraphy adorning the walls create a sense of harmony and order.

One of the most captivating features within the hall is the stunning mihrab, which is beautifully crafted in blue geometric ceramics, marble and gold, with stained glass windows above and on either side of it. This serves as the focal point for prayer, but without being too distracting, guiding worshippers towards Mecca.

The interior is lit by several stained glass windows and small arch windows surrounding the central dome, allowing natural light to be masterfully incorporated into the design.

The exquisite chandelier that hangs gracefully in the center, and the soft, pale blue carpet, makes anyone feel comfortable and relaxed here.

The Dome of Camlica Mosque

The dome of Çamlıca Mosque is one of the most iconic parts of its design. On the outside, it stands as a striking feature set between the minarets, symbolizing both the heavens and the divine presence in Islamic tradition.

The main dome spans for 34 meters in diameter and is 72 meters high. The height of the dome was not created by accident, it represents the 72 nations who live in Istanbul.

Viewing it on the inside from the worship hall, you notice that the dome is not only an engineering marvel but also a canvas of artistic expression. It has been lovingly and simply decorated with intricate patterns and motifs reflect that are synonymous of Islamic art, using a blend of geometric shapes and floral designs.

The center has been decorated with calligraphy that features verses from the Quran, serving as a reminder of faith and devotion.

Camlica Mosque Courtyard

The courtyard of Çamlıca Mosque is a beautifully designed gathering space, surrounded by elegant arcades and places to sit and reflect, the courtyard is a spacious and harmonious place to relax.

A standout feature of the courtyard is its stunning fountain, which not only adds a soothing auditory element but also symbolizes purification and the importance of water in Islamic culture. The gentle sound of flowing water enhances the serene atmosphere, encouraging a sense of calm and contemplation.

The courtyard’s design has been meticulously crafted, with intricate tile work and stone carvings, using the geometric patterns and arabesques that has been used throughout the design of the mosque. These motifs serve both an aesthetic purpose and a symbolic one, representing the infinite nature of creation and the interconnectedness of all things.

Museum of Islamic Civilisations

The Museum of Islamic Civilizations is housed within the mosque complex, and features a thoughtfully curated collection of artefacts that spans various periods and regions, showcasing the diverse contributions of Islamic civilizations to art, science, and philosophy.

The museum contains ancient manuscripts, intricate textiles, and beautifully crafted ceramics. Notable pieces include rare illuminated texts that exemplify the artistry of calligraphy and the importance of written knowledge in Islamic culture.

📚 Read more: 25 Unmissable Museums in Istanbul!

Camlica Mosque Library

The library is a serene haven for those interested in Islamic scholarship. Designed with a modern aesthetic that complements the mosque’s architectural grandeur, the library houses an impressive collection of books and manuscripts, many of which delve into Islamic theology, history, and philosophy.

The library is also equipped with modern resources, including digital archives and research materials.

Camlica Mosque at Night

Camlica Mosque is not just beautiful during the day, it’s also a sight to behold at night. As the sun sets, the mosque is beautifully illuminated with soft, ambient lighting that accentuates the finer pieces of its architecture.

The lighting has been designed to emulate sunrise and sunset, and features around 6,000 colored lights around its domes, minarets, and exterior walls.

The dome and minarets are particularly striking, glowing against the night sky and creating a beacon of spirituality that can be seen from afar.

The interplay of light and shadow reveals the intricate details of the mosque’s design, but also symbolizes enlightenment and guidance, reflecting the mosque’s role as a place of worship and community. It’s one of our favorite spots in Istanbul at night.

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Things To Know Before You Go

Before you pack your camera and visit the mosque, remember that the mosque is not a tourist attraction but a place of worship, so there are some important facts and things to know before you go.

• The Camlica Mosque is a religious site and so you need to dress respectfully and appropriately. Men and women need to have their shoulders and knees covered, and wear loose fitting, non-offensive clothing. Women need to have their hair covered when entering the mosque, though you can remove the headscarf outside the mosque.
• Remove your shoes before entering. There is a place at the entrance to the mosque (on the west side) for you to put your shoes.
• Women need to wear headscarves when entering Camlica Mosque. There are usually scarves provided at the entrance to every mosque in Istanbul, but it’s best to bring your own.
• Tourists cannot enter the Camlica Mosque during prayer times. You may be asked to leave 20-30 minutes before prayer, so keep that in mind. You can see prayer times in Istanbul here. Friday is a Holy day and therefore more prayers happen that day.
• Don’t photograph people praying. You may take photos inside the mosque, but please be respectful and don’t photograph people praying.
• Ensure your kids are respectful and quiet. Camlica Mosque is a popular gathering place and you’ll see lots of people skating and rollerblading around the courtyard, and children playing. Although this is common for the local people, it would be considered inappropriate for tourists to cycle around the courtyard. Be respectful, and keep play time for the park.
• You do not need to be Muslim to visit Camlica Mosque. Everyone is welcome.
• There is no entrance fee to visit the mosque, but the museum and the “on the hour” light show, called Water of Life, which takes place inside the museum, are ticketed.