Üryanizade Mosque

This small temple, notable for being the only mosque that you can see on the seaside road stretching from Üsküdar to Beylerbeyi, offers its guests a peaceful atmosphere accompanied by a view of the Bosphorus. Built entirely of wooden materials, the mosque resembles a small mansion with its elegant architecture, harmoniously decorating the Bosphorus alongside the nature that surrounds it. Especially when viewed from the sea, it is like a painting that merges history and modernity with its reflection in the water and the Bosphorus Bridge in the background. The Üryanizade Mosque, which appears modest at first glance, captivates both locals and foreign visitors with the hidden elegance in its details and the unique beauty brought by its location.

History

The Üryanizade Mosque got its name from its founder, Üryanizade Ahmet Esat Efendi; he served as the Sheikh-ul-Islam (the chief religious authority) of the Ottoman State during the reign of Sultan II. Abdulhamid from 1878 to 1889, and was recognized as both a religious and a statesman. Born in 1813, Üryanizade Ahmet Esat Efendi passed away in 1889 while still in office. During his lifetime, he had this mosque built next to his mansion (the seaside pavilion) in the Kuzguncuk district of Istanbul. The year 1860 is inscribed on the plaque at the entrance of the mosque, and according to legend, the construction of the mosque was completed in a remarkably short period of just 40 days. The structure, built entirely of durable walnut wood, exhibits fine craftsmanship, which is characteristic of many wooden structures of that era. The mosque is designed in an elevated manner, with the lower level built on stone foundations serving as a boat house (boat garage), while the prayer hall on the upper level is completely made of wood. This way, the mosque has continued the tradition of waterfront mosques which hold significant importance in Ottoman Bosphorus culture, allowing wealthy families of the period to directly arrive at the mosque by boat for worship.

Architecturally prominent with its rectangular plan and single-balcony minaret, Üryanizade Mosque has undergone several restorations since its opening. Notably, the mosque underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2013 and was reopened for worship in 2017 after approximately four years of work. During this restoration process, the structure was largely renewed and strengthened. Although some of the original materials were changed after the restorations, efforts were made to preserve the historical fabric and aesthetic value of the mosque. Today, Üryanizade Ahmet Esat Efendi Mosque continues to live on as a reminder of the past for both Istanbulites and visitors, with its wooden structure being a rare example of Ottoman civil architecture and its location by the Bosphorus.

Explore By Yacht

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the unique beauties of the Bosphorus is to take a private tour by renting a yacht. During such a yacht tour in the Istanbul Bosphorus, you will have the opportunity to see the Üryanizade Mosque from the sea. On your private yacht trip, where you can determine your own route, you can enjoy the peace away from the city's noise while admiring the silhouette of the historic mosque by the water from a distance. Especially in the early morning hours or at sunset, the way the wooden facade of the mosque shines like gold in the sunlight and its reflection in the cool waters of the Bosphorus will make this experience unforgettable.

While gliding through the waters of the Bosphorus by renting a yacht, you can examine the architectural details of the Üryanizade Mosque and the surrounding scenery much more closely. The intricately carved balcony details and wooden decorations on the minaret of this elegant structure, located right by the shore, can even be distinguished from the sea. As you slowly move along with your yacht, the green slopes of Kuzguncuk and the neighborhood atmosphere right behind the mosque will catch your eye; you will have discovered the beauty of this historic district from a maritime perspective. If you wish, you can take a short break to take photos, and you can feel the peaceful atmosphere of the mosque, even from a distance, accompanied by the sounds of seagulls and gentle waves.

If you want to experience Istanbul in a truly special way, don't miss seeing the pearls of the Bosphorus from the sea – all you have to do is rent a yacht on the Bosphorus and set your course towards the Üsküdar shores. The moment you approach the Üryanizade Mosque rising among the historic mansions and waterfront houses while gliding between the European and Asian sides in your private yacht will be unique. As you pass under the Bosphorus Bridge and head towards the Kuzguncuk coast, you can greet this mosque from the sea, stopping wherever you wish to enjoy the view. With the advantage of traveling freely by yacht rental, you will explore this hidden gem of Istanbul away from the crowds; you will witness the history of the city while experiencing comfortable and unforgettable moments throughout your Bosphorus tour.