As you approach the Bebek neighborhood by boat through the Bosphorus, the elegant silhouette of the Bebek Mosque rising among the greenery of the park by the shore immediately catches your eye.
Bebek Mosque is a small but impressive mosque located on the European side of the Istanbul Bosphorus, right next to Bebek Bay and the Bebek Pier. This historical structure, with its single dome and single minaret, adorns the coastal view with its light-colored cut stone walls and a shape reminiscent of classic Ottoman architecture. Particularly when viewed from the sea, the harmony created by the mosque's dome and slender minaret adds a different dimension to the beauty of the Bosphorus. For both local and foreign visitors, Bebek Mosque is one of the highlights of a Bosphorus tour, thanks to its spiritual atmosphere and photogenic appearance.
History
The history of Bebek Mosque dates back to the 18th century. During the reign of Ottoman Sultan Ahmed III (a period known as the Tulip Era, characterized by peace and innovation), the famous grand vizier Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Pasha developed the Bebek district as a holiday resort. In 1726, Grand Vizier İbrahim Pasha, upon the orders of Sultan Ahmed III, constructed a seaside palace (Hümayûn-u Âbâd Kasrı) and next to it, a mosque named Hümayûn-u Âbad Mosque. The name "Hümayûn-u Âbad" given to the mosque means "made prosperous by the empire" in Ottoman Turkish, emphasizing that the structure was founded with the support of the sultan. The first Bebek Mosque was a two-story (elevated) building with a wooden or masonry base; it had a primary school (sıbyan mektebi) on the ground floor and a fountain belonging to the mosque's foundation at the base of its minaret. The inscription on this fountain is engraved with the date Hijri 1138 (Gregorian 1726) and can still be seen in the mosque courtyard today; this detail preserves a memory from the mosque's initial construction period. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Bebek Mosque survived various repairs, but over time it was left unattended and fell into a dilapidated state.
In the early 20th century, the renovation of the old mosque came to the agenda. After being neglected for a long time, the original Bebek Mosque, which was on the verge of collapse, was demolished by the foundation officials, and in its place, the current mosque was built in 1913 by the famous architect of the period, Mimar Kemaleddin. Mimar Kemaleddin was one of the pioneers of the First National Architectural Movement, which interpreted the Ottoman architectural heritage with a modern understanding; the Bebek Mosque is considered one of his important works in this style. The new mosque is made of stone (cut stone) and is designed in the neo-classical Ottoman architectural style, with its large central dome supported by four half domes at the corners, referencing the classic period mosque plan. Its slender single-balcony minaret features dazzling details with a marble muqarnas ornamented balcony base. The inscription of the reconstruction in 1913 is still located on the arch of the narthex. The mosque, which has been open for worship for nearly a century, underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2022 and, gaining a sparkling appearance, reopened its doors to its congregation and visitors.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most special ways to explore Bebek Mosque and its surroundings is to tour the area with a yacht rental experience on the Bosphorus. The Bebek neighborhood is a popular stop on yacht tour routes, providing a unique opportunity to see the historic mosque and its vicinity from a distance, away from the crowds, thanks to access by sea. While navigating through the cool waters of the Bosphorus, you can enjoy views of the luxurious waterfront mansions and the lush park of Bebek Bay, and easily capture photos of this elegant mosque rising along the shore. With a private yacht tour, you also have the chance to anchor in Bebek and take a short break to experience the tranquil atmosphere of the mosque on-site.
Exploring the unique beauties of the Bosphorus by
renting a yacht in Istanbul is becoming an increasingly popular choice among local and foreign travelers visiting the city. Since Bebek Mosque is located along this route, it will add cultural richness to your yacht tour. As you glide slowly near Bebek Pier with your yacht, you can hear the call to prayer from the mosque accompanied by the gentle rhythm of the waves on the water and watch the flow of daily life on the shore. Thanks to the freedom provided by the yacht, you can stop at any point and explore the panoramic view of the Bosphorus and historical buildings according to your own schedule. In the meantime, it is possible to create a rich travel route by seeing other important symbols like the historic Rumeli Fortress on the opposite shore, in addition to Bebek Mosque.
If you are planning to take a Bosphorus tour during your trip to Istanbul, rent a yacht and enjoy this exquisite point of the city. A pleasant yacht tour with professional captains will offer you both a luxurious and safe experience. Watching the sunset over Bebek while seeing the silhouette of the mosque bathed in red hues will be one of the unforgettable moments of your journey. By renting your own yacht and freely determining your route, you can explore the coastline filled with Istanbul's historic mosques and pavilions, promising both a romantic and cultural experience. With this unique experience, you can discover the Bebek Mosque, which is among the pearls of the Bosphorus, from the sea and feel the unique beauty of Istanbul in all its splendor.