Sights · 33 of the best in Istanbul
Ortaköy Mosque
A jewel under the bridge
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Ortaköy Mosque
The Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, known to all as the Ortaköy Mosque, was built in the 1850s by the Balyan family of architects, who also built Dolmabahçe. It sits right on the water at Ortaköy, under the Bosphorus Bridge, and with its large windows it is full of light. It is one of the most photographed places in the city, especially at night. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women), take off your shoes, and avoid prayer times.
Why it's on our list
- On the water
- Bosphorus Bridge views
- Lit up at night
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Ortaköy Mosque before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Ortaköy Mosque are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- YıldızM71.6 km20 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Ambarlıdere Yolu850 m11 min walk
- Taxi rank, Çırağan Caddesi900 m11 min walk
Key sights
- Dolmabahçe Palace2.5 kmWalk 31 minCycle 10 minCar or taxi 10 min
- Taksim Square3.7 kmCycle 15 minCar or taxi 14 min
- İstiklal Avenue4.4 kmCycle 18 minCar or taxi 16 min
- Galata Tower5.0 kmCycle 20 minCar or taxi 18 min
- Galata Bridge5.4 kmCycle 22 minCar or taxi 19 min
- Topkapı Palace5.4 kmCycle 22 minCar or taxi 19 min
- Spice Bazaar5.8 kmCycle 23 minCar or taxi 20 min
- Hagia Sophia5.8 kmCycle 23 minCar or taxi 20 min
- Basilica Cistern5.9 kmCycle 24 minCar or taxi 21 min
- Grand Bazaar6.3 kmCycle 25 minCar or taxi 22 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)29 kmCar or taxi 90 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)34 kmCar or taxi 106 min