Dolmabahce Mosque was originally known as Bezmialem Valide Sultan Mosque. It was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid’s mother in 1852 and completed in 1855. The sacred nature of the building and its unique design decreed that it should be constructed near the palace but not within the palace premises. With its intricate details and soaring minarets, the mosque seamlessly blends Baroque and Ottoman architectural styles, reflecting the grandeur of the 19th century.
Sultan Abdulmecid’s mother, Valide Sultan Bezmi Alam commissioned the construction of the Dolmabahce mosque. This was to be a royal mosque that would showcase the richness and piety of the Ottoman Empire to visiting dignitaries from the Islamic world. The mosque was financed by the Sultan and completed in 1855. Originally, it was supposed to be part of the Dolmabahce Palace. But its design was so monumental and unique that it was constructed separately, a few metres to the south of the palace. The mosque initially had a fountain and timekeeping house decorating its courtyard. In the 1950s, the fountain was removed and the timekeeping house was shifted to the shore for road widening purposes.
For a short period between 1948 and 1962, it also served as a Naval Museum. Then it was closed for renovations and reopened in 1967 as a place of worship for the faithful.
The Dolmabahce Mosque was where the Ottoman Sultans and their visiting dignitaries from the Islamic world offered their prayers. It underwent restoration after 1962 and reopened for worshippers. This historic mosque is now an iconic landmark and a place of worship.
Dolmabahce Mosque is located in Istanbul, Turkey, at the southern end of the Dolmabahce Palace compound along the Bosphorus Strait.
Entry to the mosque is free. Visitors should avoid visiting during prayer times as it is a functioning mosque.
Yes, you can visit Dolmabahce Mosque with Dolmabahce Palace tickets.
Dolmabahce Mosque was designed by Nigogayos Balyan and Garabat Balyan.
Dolmabahce Mosque has beautiful glass windows that are not just aesthetic but also functional, since they light up the mosque during day time. Huge ornamental Arabic calligraphy in gold adorns the interiors. The domed ceiling is decorated with intricate ornamental designs and has a beautiful crystal chandelier.
Dolmabahce Mosque is open between 9 AM and 6 PM. However, we recommend planning your visit so that it doesn’t coincide with prayer times, since this is a place of worship.
Dolmabahce Mosque is located at Ömer Avni, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd., Beyoğlu, İstanbul.
Yes, wheelchair users can access Dolmabahce Mosque.
Yes, you can take pictures at Dolmabahce Mosque. However, flash photography is not allowed.
Yes. Since this is a place of worship, women must cover their heads and shoulders before entering the mosque. Both men and women must wear clothes that cover the knees. Visitors must take off their shoes before entering.
Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
Combo: Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide + Bosphorus Cruise
Combo (Save 15%): Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide + Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show
Combo (Save 5%): Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
Istanbul MegaPass: Skip-the-Line E-Tickets for Top Attractions
Istanbul: National Palaces Full Pass incl. Dolmabahce Palace
Combo Guided Tours with Entry Tickets: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace or Basilica Cistern
