Beylerbeyi Mosque (also known as Hamid-i Evvel Mosque) is an 18th-century selatin (sultan's) mosque located in the Beylerbeyi neighbourhood on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
With its location on the Bosphorus coast and elegant architecture, it is considered one of the most beautiful examples of yalı mosques in Istanbul. Together with the famous Beylerbeyi Palace located right next to it, it occupies an important place in the silhouette of the district. Especially when viewed from the sea, the mosque attracts attention with its two slender minarets and dome, giving the impression of connecting the sky and the earth at first glance. Thanks to its impressive appearance, it is an indispensable part of the landscape stretching along the Beylerbeyi coast.
History of the Beylerbeyi Mosque
Beylerbeyi Mosque was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid I in memory of his mother, Rabia Sultan, and opened for worship in 1778. The mosque was built on the site of the former Beylerbeyi (Istavroz) Palace. It underwent significant alterations and expansion in the early 19th century (during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II). During this period, the mosque's single minaret was demolished and replaced with two symmetrical minarets, and a muvakkithane (clock room) and hünkar dairesi (sultan's private quarters) were added to the structure. The mosque sustained significant damage in the 1894 earthquake and underwent repairs. More recently, in 1969, a comprehensive restoration was carried out. On 13 March 1983, a fire broke out in the historic İsmail Paşa Mansion adjacent to the mosque, damaging the wooden dome section and causing it to partially collapse. However, thanks to rapid repairs, the mosque was reopened for worship in May 1983. Finally, with the restoration work completed in 2013, the structure continues to exist today as an active place of worship and a tourist attraction.
Discover the Beylerbeyi Mosque by Boat
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the Bosphorus is by rental yacht. As you cruise along the azure waters of the Bosphorus and approach the shores of Beylerbeyi, the silhouette of the historic mosque will appear in all its splendour. As you pass by Beylerbeyi Mosque, which is located right on the edge of the sea, you will have the opportunity to see it from a unique angle. This angle reveals many details that cannot be seen from land: the reflection of the two minarets in the water and the splendour of the dome against the backdrop of the Bosphorus are just some of the details that will make your boat tour an unforgettable experience.
By renting a yacht for a Bosphorus tour, you can experience the historical texture of Beylerbeyi Mosque and its surroundings much more closely. As your yacht glides past the mosque, you will see the Beylerbeyi Palace and the greenery of the neighbourhood included in the panoramic view. This mosque and palace duo, reflecting Ottoman splendour, form a picture-perfect whole, especially when viewed from the sea. A yacht tour offers the opportunity to experience both this magnificent architecture and the natural beauty of the Bosphorus at the same time. Plus, you can enjoy history and scenery in a private setting, away from the crowds.
If you want to discover Istanbul from the Bosphorus and experience the views this area has to offer at their best, rent a yacht and set your course for the Beylerbeyi coast. During the yacht tour, you can photograph the details of the Beylerbeyi Mosque accompanied by the gentle sway of the water, and if you have a guide, you can listen to the story of the mosque right in front of it. Seeing the mosque from the sea highlights its grandeur and the strategic beauty of its location. As you pass by the historic mosque on your yacht, accompanied by the cool breeze of the Bosphorus, the visual and emotional impact you will experience will be one of the most special memories of your Istanbul trip.