The Grand Çamlıca Mosque is the largest mosque in the history of the Republic, located on Çamlıca Hill in Üsküdar. With its six minarets and a capacity of 63,000 people, it functions as a complex housing the Museum of Islamic Civilizations, a library, and art workshops. It is open for free visits.
The Grand Çamlıca Mosque opened for worship in 2019, holding the title of the largest mosque of the Republican era. With a capacity of 63,000 people, 6 minarets, and a 57-meter main dome, it stands at the peak of Çamlıca Hill in Üsküdar. It is a structure that reinterprets the classical Ottoman-Seljuk form with modern materials and techniques. Although it resembles the Blue Mosque at first glance, it is said that its six minarets symbolize the "six articles of faith".
The mosque is not alone; it is part of a large complex. Below the ground floors, there is a museum, a library, a conference hall for a thousand people, art galleries, and eight workshops. Visitors often state that they spend hours exploring the museum, and that staff provide bags or covers for shoes and clothing. Museum entry is free for Turkish citizens and charged for foreign visitors; inquire about the current tariff at the entrance.
There is a vast view of the Bosphorus from the garden terrace. Those who arrive near sunset highlight the moment the lights come on and the changing colors as the sun sets. Since the ascent to the hill passes through narrow streets and steep slopes, those coming by private vehicle or public transport should be prepared for traffic. The mosque is open every day; short breaks may be given to visitor entry during prayer times.
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Guide's Note
The Grand Çamlıca Mosque is considered by the vast majority of visitors as a must-see place in Istanbul. The mosque's architectural design and its commanding view of the surroundings are among the most frequently expressed admirations.
Not only for worship but also for sightseeing, the complex offers options for spending time, including the museum in the courtyard, souvenir shops, and green areas. One visitor particularly recommends the handicraft shop in the courtyard for both its friendly atmosphere and affordable coffee. Shopping at the market and Beltur point near the mosque entrance and having a picnic in the surrounding green area are also among the alternatives suggested by visitors.
Regarding transportation, one visitor suggested that the stop indicated by map applications drops you off one point before the platforms; it's worth paying attention to this detail.
- Elevator smell: More than one visitor has mentioned a distinct foot odor in the elevators going from the parking lot to the upper floors, and that the carpet laid in the elevators exacerbates this problem.
- Visitor density: One comment highlights that the daily visitor count is quite low compared to the mosque's capacity; this can be an advantage for those seeking a quiet visit experience, but a disappointment for those expecting a lively atmosphere.
When to Visit?
Hours close to sunset are the most preferred time. Visitors say that the mosque's appearance changes when the lights come on, and the view from the garden terrace before the evening prayer has a special beauty. It can get hot and crowded during midday; weekends, in particular, see increased parking and traffic. Visitor entry may be briefly paused during prayer times, so it's useful to plan accordingly.
How to Get There?
Coming by metro is the most practical way: take the M5 Üsküdar-Çekmeköy line to Bulgurlu Station, then take bus 15CA, which will drop you in front of the mosque. There is a direct 15C bus from Üsküdar. If you are coming from the Kadıköy side, bus 14F goes to the 'Büyük Çamlıca Camii' stop. Those coming from the European Side usually transfer to Altunizade by Metrobus and then to the M5 line. If you come by your own car, there is a parking lot for 3,500 vehicles. However, the roads leading up to the hill are narrow and steep, so some visitors say the bus journey can be a bit challenging.
How Many Hours to Allocate?
45 minutes to 1 hour is sufficient just to see the mosque. If you also visit the museum, the time extends; some visitors report spending hours in the museum alone. If you include sitting on the garden terrace and enjoying the view, allocating a total of 2-3 hours is a realistic estimate.
Best Spots for Photos
The garden terrace is the most preferred spot for wide-angle photos overlooking the Bosphorus. It's difficult to fit all six minarets into the frame from the main courtyard; a wide-angle lens or shooting from a bit further away helps. The angle looking up at the large chandelier under the central dome inside is also a frequently shared shot. When the lighting is on, after sunset, the mosque's exterior facade presents a different appearance.
Things to Note
Toilets and some service areas for women are on the lower floors of the building (some visitors refer to it as level -3), so you might find it difficult to navigate on your first visit. Following the signs at the entrance will make it easier. Some comments mention a lack of cleanliness, especially during peak hours. Since the road leading up to the hill is narrow and open to traffic, those coming by bus note that the journey can be a bit bumpy.
About the Mosque and Complex
The project, designed by architects Hilmi Şenalp and Hayriye Gül Totu, combines classical Ottoman-Seljuk form with modern scale and materials. The six minarets are described in some sources as a reference to the 'six articles of faith'. The complex includes a museum of Islamic civilizations, a large library, a conference hall, and art workshops. Visitors report that the museum is larger and more comprehensive than expected, and that staff answer questions diligently.
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