Büyük Mecidiye Mosque (Ortakoy)

About this place

Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, widely known as Ortaköy Mosque, was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid and completed in 1856 during the late Ottoman reform era. Designed by Garabet Amira Balyan and Nigoğayos Balyan, it is one of Istanbul’s best-known waterfront mosques and a refined example of Ottoman Baroque architecture. Its elegant twin minarets, large windows, and richly ornamented façade create a light, theatrical appearance beside the Bosphorus. The mosque’s setting at Ortaköy Square, with the bridge rising behind it, has made it both a historic monument and an iconic city image.

Getting there: The nearest bus stop is Ortaköy, about 150 m away, around 2 minutes on foot. From Kabataş tram and ferry hub, the mosque is roughly 2.5 km away and can be reached by bus or taxi. Beşiktaş ferry pier is about 2 km away, with frequent buses continuing to Ortaköy.

Note: Free to enter outside prayer times, but visitors should avoid busy worship periods, especially Friday noon prayer. Modest clothing is recommended; women may need a headscarf, and shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall. The square and waterfront are busiest in late afternoons and weekends, so early morning is best for quieter visits and photos.

Plan your visit

Visit duration

40 minutes

Tickets

Free entry for all visitors.

Address

Mecidiye, İskele Sk. No: 6, 34347 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening hours

• Friday: 09:00-20:00
• Monday: 09:00-20:00
• Sunday: 09:00-20:00
• Tuesday: 09:00-20:00
• Saturday: 09:00-20:00
• Thursday: 09:00-20:00
• Wednesday: 09:00-20:00