Located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, on the Üsküdar coast, Şemsi Pasha Mosque attracts attention with its position that seems to extend into the sea. Despite its small size, it leaves a fascinating first impression.
Built at the zero point of the Bosphorus waters, this mosque is located at a strategic point opening from the Anatolian side to the Marmara Sea; directly opposite it lies the Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn, which adorn the silhouette of the historic peninsula. Located along the coastline of Üsküdar, the Şemsi Pasha Mosque has become an integral part of the skyline, alongside the larger mosques and landmarks behind it. Despite its modest size, its location imbues it with a grandeur that captivates all who see it.
The mosque and its surroundings have a lively atmosphere throughout the day. The coastal walking path right next to it is always bustling with fishermen, couples watching the sunset, and city dwellers feeding simit to the seagulls. The fact that this historic building is right on the water sets it apart from similar structures in Istanbul; the sound of the waves echoes off the walls of the mosque. Known among locals as Kuşkonmaz Mosque, Şemsi Pasha Mosque is named after the legend that birds cannot land on it due to its windy location. The rare sight of birds on its roof, thanks to the constant winds of the Bosphorus, reminds visitors of this legend and makes the mosque even more intriguing.
History of the Şemsi Pasha Mosque
A refined product of the Ottoman classical period, Şemsi Pasha Mosque was built in the last quarter of the 16th century. Vizier Şemsi Ahmet Pasha, who served as a statesman during the reigns of Sultan Selim II and Sultan Murat III, had this mosque built by Mimar Sinan in 1580. Şemsi Pasha, a contemporary of Sokollu Mehmet Pasha, one of the most important viziers of the period, left a lasting legacy to Istanbul with this work. The mosque, together with the adjacent madrasa (dârülhadis) and tomb, forms a small complex. Şemsi Ahmet Pasha, who died in 1580 while the construction was still ongoing, is buried in the tomb on the sea side of the mosque. Thus, the mosque has acquired the spiritual significance of being the final resting place of its founder.
Throughout its history, the Şemsi Pasha Mosque has witnessed several significant events and changes. According to legend, Şemsi Pasha, known for his meticulous personality, requested that Mimar Sinan build a mosque where birds could not defile it. Sinan responded by positioning the mosque at this coastal point where winds from the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea converge, ensuring that birds could not approach the minaret and dome. Over the centuries, the mosque suffered serious damage in the great Istanbul earthquake of 1894 and was repaired in 1895. Left in a dilapidated state during the early years of the Republic, the structure underwent extensive restoration between 1940 and 1943, following the instructions of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In the recent restoration carried out between 2007 and 2008, the minaret, which had begun to lean towards the sea, was repaired in accordance with its original design. Today, thanks to the restorations it has undergone, the mosque and its complex continue to serve as a place of worship and an important destination for history enthusiasts.
Discover the Şemsi Pasha Mosque by Yacht
For travellers seeking to fully experience the beauty of the Bosphorus, yacht rental is an attractive option. Especially when you set out to explore the Üsküdar coastline from the sea, you will have the opportunity to admire the unique silhouette of Şemsi Pasha Mosque from the water. With the cool breezes of the Bosphorus accompanying you, watching the silhouette of this small mosque, which seems to touch the water, while taking in the views of the historic peninsula and Üsküdar is an unforgettable experience. From the deck of your yacht, you can see important buildings on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul at the same time, while feeling the impressive atmosphere created by the Şemsi Pasha Mosque's location right on the water. The silhouette of the mosque also reveals different beauties at different times of the day; the dome and minaret shining in the morning sun create a completely different picture compared to its silhouette in the evening twilight. To capture this picture from the best angle, a private boat tour on the Bosphorus offers you the opportunity to feel the magic of the city from the sea.
By renting a yacht, you can freely explore the historical and natural beauties of Istanbul as you glide through the waters of the Bosphorus. As you sail along the shores of Üsküdar, the panoramic view of the coast unfolds before your eyes: On one side, the elegant silhouette of the Maiden's Tower, followed by the Şemsi Pasha Mosque blending seamlessly with the sea, and further ahead, the other historic mosques of Üsküdar... One of the greatest advantages of cruising by yacht is the ability to stop at any point and savour the view. As you approach Şemsi Pasha Mosque, you will hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore and notice the mosque's minaret reflected in the water. Photographing the mosque from this unique perspective offers the chance to capture details that cannot be seen from land. As you sail away from the crowds of the Bosphorus and head towards its heart, you will enjoy the best view of this historic coastline that connects the two continents of Istanbul from the comfort of your yacht.
If you want to experience an unforgettable Bosphorus adventure, rent a yacht and discover Istanbul from the sea. During your private yacht tour, you will have the opportunity to observe rare landmarks such as the Şemsi Pasha Mosque, which is located right on the shore. When viewed from the sea, the Üsküdar district behind the mosque and the cityscape rising in the background unfold before you like a postcard, with every detail in view. Away from the crowded tourist routes, as you cruise the Bosphorus, the jewel of Istanbul, charting your own course, it is impossible not to be captivated by the magic of these places where history and nature meet. During your yacht tour, you can take a short break and anchor near the mosque, sipping your tea to the gentle sway of the Bosphorus while greeting this centuries-old sanctuary from afar. Thanks to the freedom offered by yacht rental, you can explore all of Istanbul's beauty at your own pace, savouring this unique view that includes the Şemsi Pasha Mosque, and witness the city's history from a different perspective.