The Grand Çamlıca Mosque is Turkey's largest mosque, set on a hillside in Üsküdar on Istanbul's Asian side. Opened for worship in 2019, it reinterprets classical Ottoman mosque design on a monumental scale, and its six minarets are visible from much of the city. Combined with the viewpoint park next door, it makes a rewarding half-day trip.
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A modern mosque full of symbolic numbers
Work began in 2013 and the first prayers were held in spring 2019, with the official opening later that year. Sources put its capacity at around 63,000 worshippers. The design, by architects Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu, follows the central-dome-and-semi-dome scheme that Mimar Sinan perfected in the 16th century.
Many of the dimensions are said to carry meaning. The main dome rises 72 metres, a nod to the traditional idea of 72 nations living together in Istanbul, while its 34-metre diameter echoes the city's licence-plate code. Four of the six minarets stand 107.1 metres tall, recalling the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. Kids enjoy spotting the numbers once they know the code.
What to see
- The vast prayer hall, its enormous chandelier and the calligraphy spiralling across the dome
- A classic arcaded courtyard with a central ablution fountain, built on a far larger scale than its Ottoman models
- A museum dedicated to Islamic arts, a library, an art gallery and a conference hall within the complex (check the museum's visiting arrangements separately)
- Views over the Bosphorus and its bridges and, on clear days, across to the historic peninsula
- The illuminated silhouette at night, visible even from the European shore
Old and new: how it compares
Çamlıca is new, but its architectural language is deliberately classical. If you've already seen Süleymaniye Mosque or the jewel-like Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque next to our hotel, it's fascinating to see how the same logic of domes and half-domes has been scaled up for the 21st century. Hand-painted tiles and dim, intimate interiors give way here to broad surfaces, bright modern lighting and a great deal of open space.
Some visitors find the scale overwhelming, others find it uplifting. Seeing a Sinan mosque and Çamlıca on the same day is the best way to form your own view.
Etiquette and family notes
The mosque is free to enter and open for worship. It gets very busy at Friday midday prayers and during religious holidays. The usual dress code applies: shoulders and knees covered, headscarves for women and shoes off at the entrance, with bags or shelves usually provided. Our mosque etiquette guide has the essentials, and our guide for Muslim travellers covers prayer-friendly planning across the city.
Wide courtyards and level surfaces make it easier with a stroller than most historic mosques, and the washrooms and ablution areas are spacious. Afterwards, walk over to neighbouring Çamlıca Hill for the panorama and a glass of tea.
Getting there from Sareban Hotel
Walk or take the T1 tram to Sirkeci, then ride Marmaray under the Bosphorus to Üsküdar. Inside the same station, change to the metro heading toward Çekmeköy and get off at Kısıklı; from there it's an uphill walk or a short taxi ride to the mosque. A taxi straight from Üsküdar Square is also easy.
To add a sea crossing, take the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar and continue by metro. Our Istanbulkart guide explains how transfers work.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Çamlıca Mosque open?
Construction began in 2013, the first prayers were held in spring 2019 and the mosque was officially inaugurated the same year.
Is it really the largest mosque in Turkey?
Yes. With a capacity of roughly 63,000 people, it is considered the largest mosque in the country.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the mosque is free. Parts of the complex such as the museum may have their own arrangements, so check before you go.
How do I get there from Sultanahmet?
Take Marmaray from Sirkeci to Üsküdar, change to the metro toward Çekmeköy and get off at Kısıklı. It's then a short uphill walk or taxi ride.
