Located right next to Rumeli Fortress, the Hacı Kemalettin Mosque on the shores of the Bosphorus is an elegant 18th-century mosque built by Ottoman Sultan Mahmud I.
It is also known as Iskele Mosque or Çarşı Mosque due to its location among the public. With its slender minaret and walls made of cut stone and brick, it possesses a humble beauty despite the grandeur of the historical castle behind it. The coastal strip surrounding the mosque has now taken on a lively atmosphere with cafes and fishing boats; the silhouette of the mosque seen from the boats passing through the Bosphorus leaves visitors with an unforgettable first impression, showcasing the historical and natural texture of Istanbul together.
History
This place of worship in the Rumelihisarı district was actually built as a small mosque by the sailor Pertek Ali Bey during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent; however, due to the loss of the original inscription, the exact date of construction is unknown. In the 18th century, Sultan Mahmud I enlarged the existing mosque and converted it into the current Hacı Kemalettin Mosque in 1743. During this renovation, the walls of the structure were built with stone and brick, and it was constructed in the classical Ottoman architectural style with a wooden roof. Interestingly, the ground floor of the mosque was designed as a boat shed (boat harbor) with seven arches during its construction period. The vaulted lower section, which has now been converted into a café, was an original architectural solution indicating the importance of the Bosphorus transportation at that time.
In the following years, the mosque underwent comprehensive repairs in 1763. By the 20th century, the need for worship decreased, leading to the mosque being closed in 1937, and during the years it remained unattended, the structure deteriorated. The mosque, which remained in a ruined state for a long time, was restored by the General Directorate of Foundations and reopened for worship in 1960. Finally, with the extensive restoration completed in 2021, the mosque was restored to its former glory and reopened for worship. Today, both locals and visitors can experience Hacı Kemalettin Mosque as a part of the historical heritage of the Bosphorus with its renewed face.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most special ways to explore the unique beauties of the Bosphorus is the option of yacht rental. While gliding in a private yacht towards Rumeli Fortress, you can enjoy the view of Hacı Kemalettin Mosque as seen from the sea at your leisure. Taking pictures of the castle and the mosque on the shore from your yacht's deck provides the opportunity to immortalize this historic silhouette from angles that are not possible from land. Unlike crowded boat tours, with yacht rental, you can set your own route and pace, allowing you to freely enjoy your Bosphorus tour.
It is possible to experience the intertwined story of this mosque, which served as a boat house in history, by renting a yacht. As you approach the Rumeli Fortress shoreline with your rented yacht, you have the chance to closely see the minaret that has been greeting sailors for centuries and the historical building right next to the water. When you disembark from the boat, accompanied by the sounds of waves and seagulls, you will feel as if you are traveling back centuries, observing Istanbul through the eyes of a sailor who traveled in the Bosphorus during the Ottoman period. With your yacht, you can stop at any point to enjoy the view, or if you wish, take a short break and soak in the Bosphorus atmosphere with a tea in the café located underneath the mosque.
If you want to explore this fascinating spot of the Istanbul Bosphorus according to your own schedule,
rent a yacht in Istanbul and set sail for an unforgettable travel experience. During the Bosphorus tour on your private yacht, you will not only have the opportunity to see Hacı Kemalettin Mosque but also other historic mansions, bridges, and palaces in the surrounding area. Rent a yacht, as this will allow you to experience a unique journey with your loved ones away from the crowds, in the deep blue waters of the Bosphorus. You can be sure that while freely watching both the natural beauties of Istanbul and the views of its historically rich coastal structures, you will enjoy the city in the most special way.