From the gate of Karacaahmet to the minarets — the story of the mosque, quietly told in eight stops.
Remembering death, beautifying life
The mosque rises at the entrance to Karacaahmet, one of Istanbul’s oldest cemeteries. Many who come here first visit the grave of someone they love, then step inside to pray.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Visit the graves, for they remind you of death.” (Muslim 976)
The stillness of water
In classical mosques, the courtyard is the threshold between the noise of the city and the stillness of worship. The fountain sphere at its centre was designed by William Pye.
In Islam water is the sign of purity and renewal; prayer begins with ablution.
Inviting the light inside
The building is enclosed in glass on three sides. Daylight filtering through windows designed by Orhan Koçan changes the colour of the interior from morning to evening.
The space quietly mirrors the rhythm of a life measured by five daily prayers.
A sky encircled by letters
A band of calligraphy encircles the inner surface of the aluminium composite dome, designed and written by Hüseyin Kutlu and executed by Semih İrteş.
In Islamic art, calligraphy is the most graceful expression of reverence for the Word of Allah.
A rain of light
The chandelier by Nahide Büyükkaymakçı is formed of water-drop glass globes. Its intention is a prayer: that the light of Allah may descend upon worshippers like rain.
“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.” (an-Nūr 24:35)
Turning towards the qibla
The mihrab marks the qibla — the direction of the Ka‘ba in Makkah, which Muslims face in prayer. The imam leads the congregation from here.
Şakirin’s mihrab was designed by Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu Design and crafted by Prof. Tayfun Erdoğmuş.
Where the sermon is given
Friday and Eid sermons are delivered from the minbar. Şakirin’s acrylic minbar gathers the light and accompanies the calm of the space.
The call, five times a day
From the two minarets, each 35 metres high, the call to prayer rises over Üsküdar five times a day: Allāhu akbar — Allah is the Greatest.
Our journey ends here; yet in a mosque the true journey is the prayer that begins with the call.