Vaniköy Mosque

Although it may not be immediately noticeable at first glance due to its location right on the shore, this small Ottoman mosque built on the waterfront attracts those passing by on the Bosphorus. In this peaceful corner where the waves crash against the shore, the Vaniköy Mosque, where history and nature intertwine, offers visitors both a visual feast and a tranquil spiritual atmosphere.

History of the Vaniköy Mosque

Vaniköy Mosque was built in 1665 by Vânî Mehmet Efendi, one of the famous scholars and preachers of the Ottoman Empire. Vânî Mehmet Efendi, who was the teacher of Mehmed IV, was one of the renowned scholars of his time and was under the patronage of the sultan. When Sultan Mehmed IV gifted the wooded area near Üsküdar known as Papaz Garden (Papaz Grove) to his teacher Vânî Mehmed Efendi, this previously deserted area quickly came to be known as Vaniköy. Vânî Mehmed Efendi undertook the development of the neighbourhood and had a mosque built here, which was named after him. He also had a mansion and a madrasa built next to it for his own use. Thus, Vaniköy became a small centre of learning and worship, and the mosque, along with the surrounding buildings, remained a waqf property for many years.

In the 18th century, Sultan Mahmud I had a sultan's prayer niche (a special place for the sultan to pray) and a small sultan's palace added to the mosque. The addition of such a section reserved for the sultan, which was rare in small neighbourhood mosques, demonstrated the special interest in Vaniköy Mosque. According to legend, Sultan Mahmud I had these special sections added to the mosque because he enjoyed stopping by and praying there while on his way to his hunting lodge on the Kandilli hills. During the Ottoman period, Vaniköy Mosque served not only as a spiritual haven for the neighbourhood residents but also for boatmen and travellers passing by the coast along the Bosphorus. Continuing its worship function uninterrupted for centuries, the mosque continued to exist in the Republican era as a work of art belonging to its founder's waqf.

Vaniköy Mosque recently suffered an unfortunate disaster. On 15 November 2020, a fire broke out in the mosque's electrical system, completely engulfing the wooden parts of the building and causing extensive damage. Unfortunately, the valuable calligraphic panels and ornate decorations inside the mosque were also damaged in the fire. The threat of this 355-year-old wooden mosque, one of the pearls of the Istanbul Strait, being reduced to ashes caused deep sorrow among Istanbul residents. Following the fire, government officials and charitable organisations swiftly took action to restore the mosque. A comprehensive restoration process was initiated with the cooperation of the General Directorate of Foundations and the Vânî Mehmet Efendi Foundation, and with the support of the Kalyon Foundation. Under the supervision of expert teams, the mosque was restored to its original architectural design as much as possible. The burnt wooden sections were renewed with materials matching the originals, and the structure was reinforced while the historical fabric was carefully preserved. With the completion of the restoration, Vaniköy Mosque reopened for worship in June 2023. Today, the ground floor of the sultan's palace adjacent to the mosque has been converted into a library and serves as a cultural venue for visitors.

Discover the Vaniköy Mosque by Yacht

One of the most enjoyable ways to discover the historical structures along the Bosphorus from the sea is undoubtedly to take advantage of the Istanbul yacht rental option. When you set out on a yacht tour away from the crowded traffic of Istanbul, accompanied by the sound of the waves, seeing Vaniköy Mosque from the sea is like discovering a hidden gem of the city. During the day, the mosque catches the eye with its slender minaret rising gracefully from the lush green groves and its red-tiled roof. In the evenings, its modest lights shimmering along the shore create a calm yet captivating backdrop to the Bosphorus view. As you glide through the waters of the Bosphorus, witnessing the harmonious blend of history and nature, visitors are treated to an unforgettable experience.

One of the most unique ways to enjoy a full view of the historic Vaniköy Mosque from the sea is to rent a yacht and approach the shore. On a private boat tour, try to spot the silhouette of the minaret rising from among the trees as you pass by Kandilli. Although it may be difficult to spot at first among the surrounding mansions, a careful look will reveal this modest mosque with its whitewashed walls and elegant minaret rising from the greenery. As the cool breeze of the Bosphorus caresses your face, it is impossible not to marvel at the fact that such a small mosque has stood here for centuries, nestled among Istanbul's massive palaces and mansions. As you approach the shore and your view widens, Vaniköy Mosque stands right on the water's edge, giving the impression that it is rising from the waves. If you have a guide with you on your yacht tour, they will surely tell you the centuries-old story of this mosque and how it rose from the ashes after being destroyed by fire in 2020. As you watch this historic structure from the deck of the boat, you can see with your own eyes how the mosque has regained its original elegance thanks to its renovated wooden walls and repaired roof. Moreover, the building's proximity to the shore, almost touching the waves, offers a unique perspective to those viewing it from the sea. Framed by the green landscape and the blue water, the slender minaret is a graceful detail of the Istanbul skyline that will remain etched in your memory.

To experience the privilege of discovering Istanbul's historical heritage from the sea and seeing this hidden beauty of the Bosphorus up close, rent a yacht. With a comfortable yacht cruise, you can turn your route towards the shores of Üsküdar, take a short break off the coast of Vaniköy, and capture this exquisite mosque in all its splendour. At the end of your Bosphorus tour, the peace of having greeted this elegant mosque from the sea and the joy of discovering Istanbul from a different perspective will be one of the unforgettable memories of your journey.