The Grand Çamlıca Mosque is the largest mosque in the history of the Republic, located on Çamlıca Hill in Üsküdar. With 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 but part of a large complex. Below the ground floors, there is a museum, a library, a thousand-person conference hall, art galleries, and eight workshops. Visitors often state that they spend hours exploring the museum, and 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.
From the garden terrace, there is a wide view overlooking the Bosphorus. 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 for visitor entry during prayer times.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Istanbul, Religious Sites, Istanbul religious sites, Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque).
Guide's Note
When to Visit?
Near sunset is the most preferred time. Visitors say that the appearance of the mosque changes when the lights come on, and the view from the garden terrace before the evening prayer has a special beauty. During midday, it can get hot and crowded; on weekends, parking and traffic especially intensify. 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 the 15CA bus to alight in front of the mosque. There is a direct 15C bus from Üsküdar. If coming from the Kadıköy side, the 14F bus 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 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 view 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 exterior of the mosque 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 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 staff answer questions diligently.
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