The structure took its current form with the last restoration in 2011, and it features a courtyard right by the Bosphorus.
Büyük Mecidiye Mosque
The structure, also known as Ortaköy Mosque, is located north of Ortaköy Pier Square. Today, it is one of Istanbul's iconic landmarks and is a popular destination for those who want to take souvenir photos with the Bosphorus and the 15th of July Martyrs Bridge.
The architect of the mosque, commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecit in 1854 for the beautification of the Bosphorus, was Nikagos Balyan.
One of the most significant features of the mosque is that it was constructed in the architectural style of Baroque, which was commonly used in French and Italian palaces after the 18th century.
Vaniköy Mosque
Located by the sea in Üsküdar Vaniköy, the structure is also known as Vani Mehmet Efendi Mosque. The mosque is named after Vanî Mehmed Efendi, who, during the reign of Sultan IV. Mehmet, gained the patronage of Köprülüzâde Fazıl Ahmed Pasha and became one of the renowned preachers among the scholars of his time.
The wooden mosque suffered severe damage on November 15, 2020, due to a fire caused by electrical wiring.
After 2.5 years of restoration work, it was reopened for worship on June 16, 2023, in a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
