Passing through the Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahçe Mosque (Bezmialem Valide Sultan Mosque), with its elegant silhouette right next to Dolmabahçe Palace, is an integral part of the Bosphorus landscape with its location and architecture.
The mosque is located on the seafront between the Beşiktaş and Kabataş shores, directly opposite the main palace gate overlooking the historic clock tower of Dolmabahçe Palace. Its façade, constructed of white stone and marble, with a single dome and two slender minarets, gives the building a spacious and symmetrical appearance at first glance, blending harmoniously with the palace complex. Dolmabahçe Mosque, with its location on the Bosphorus shore, forms an impressive panoramic whole with the palace and clock tower; it adds a touch of elegance to Istanbul's unique silhouette, especially for those viewing it from the sea.
History of the Dolmabahçe Mosque
The construction of Dolmabahçe Mosque was initiated in 1852 by Bezmialem Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdülmecid. Built during the Tanzimat period of the 19th century, when Western influences were intensifying in the Ottoman Empire, the mosque was originally commissioned by Bezmialem Valide Sultan as a legacy in her name. Unfortunately, she passed away in 1853 before the construction was completed. Following her death, her son, Sultan Abdülmecid, completed the mosque and opened it for worship on 23 March 1855 with a Friday prayer ceremony. Although the official name of the mosque, which is referred to as ‘Selâtin Camii’ in reference to the dynasty that built it, is Bezmialem Valide Sultan Mosque, it has been known as Dolmabahçe Camii since that day because it is part of the Dolmabahçe Palace complex, and it has also been recorded in literature under this name.
The Dolmabahçe Mosque remained open for worship from the early years of the Republic, but in 1948, during the renovation of the surrounding square and road widening works, the courtyard walls were demolished and the courtyard of the mosque disappeared. In the same year, the mosque was closed for worship and began to be used as a Maritime Museum. Between 1956 and 1960, the building continued to function as a museum, but after the coup d'état of 27 May 1960, it was vacated by the museum and began to serve as a mosque once again. Thus, from the second half of the 1960s onwards, Dolmabahçe Mosque regained its original function and has reached the present day as both a mosque open for worship and a historical monument.
Discover the Dolmabahçe Mosque by Yacht
Discovering Dolmabahçe Mosque, located in the heart of Istanbul on the shores of the Bosphorus, from the sea is an unforgettable experience. Especially on a trip by Bosphorus yacht rental, viewing the magnificent silhouette of the mosque from the water offers a completely different perspective.
Built on the Dolmabahçe shore, which was created by filling in the sea, this elegant mosque stands right in front of the historic palace. Yacht tours are an ideal option to see this mosque up close. As you watch the white facade and slender minarets of Dolmabahçe Mosque from the sea, accompanied by the cool breeze of the Bosphorus, you can almost feel the cultural richness of Istanbul.
The postcard-perfect view of Dolmabahçe Mosque, the palace, and the clock tower is even more impressive from the sea. When you take a yacht tour of the Bosphorus, you will have the opportunity to observe this historic corner of the European side in all its glory. As your yacht glides slowly past the mosque, the details of the structure and its harmony with its surroundings become more clearly visible. Especially as the sun sets, the golden dome and stone carvings, reflecting off the water, create a mesmerising tableau. Such a view on the blue waters of the Bosphorus is an unforgettable moment for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
If you are planning an unforgettable journey on the Bosphorus, be sure to include Dolmabahçe Mosque in your itinerary. Rent a yacht to freely explore the beauty of the Bosphorus and enjoy a view steeped in history as you pass by this unique structure. From the deck of your yacht, you can admire the crystal-clear waters connecting Asia and Europe on one side and the Dolmabahçe Mosque reflecting Ottoman splendour on the other, adding a unique value to your Istanbul tour. By customising your own route, you can experience the privilege of seeing the Dolmabahçe Mosque and its surrounding historical heritage from the most exclusive angles.