Among Istanbul’s many Ottoman landmarks, the most renowned are its monumental imperial mosques, such as the Blue Mosque, Şehzade Mosque and Süleymaniye Mosque. However, Ottoman imperial mosques are scattered throughout the city and, in my view, the Laleli Mosque also holds a significant place in Istanbul’s rich Ottoman heritage.
OTTOMAN IMPERIAL MOSQUES
Ottoman sultans and members of the dynasty commissioned numerous historic monuments, often in the form of külliye, vast complexes centered around a mosque and surrounded by various structures serving charitable and social purposes. These included madrasas (religious schools), kitchens and other buildings designed to provide services to the poor.
The largest külliyes date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, although mosques constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries are also of great historical importance. In the 15th century, following his conquest of Constantinople, Fatih Sultan Mehmed commissioned the construction of two grand mosques. Unfortunately, both of these original structures were later destroyed by earthquakes or fires and had to be rebuilt.
Mimar Sinan, the chief imperial architect for the Ottoman Empire for over 50 years, designed and oversaw the construction of many of Istanbul’s most iconic complexes. His architectural vision set the standard for subsequent architects of külliyes throughout the empire.
While Istanbul is home to some of the most famous Ottoman imperial mosques, many others can be found in cities across Turkey. Bursa, the first proper capital of the Ottoman Empire, is home to several historically significant religious structures. You will find other notable imperial mosques in Edirne, Konya, Amasya, Manisa and even in Damascus.
LALELI MOSQUE
Sultan Mustafa III commissioned the construction of the Laleli Mosque as his sultanic mosque. In the Ottoman tradition, sultans typically financed their imperial mosques using the spoils of war, reinforcing their military victories with grand architectural achievements. However, Mustafa III chose to diverge from this custom, much like Sultan Ahmed I, who funded the construction of the famous Blue Mosque without relying on wartime gains.
They completed the construction of the mosque in 1764. Originally, they called it Nur Mustafa Camii, which translates to “The Light of Mustafa,” reflecting the sultan’s vision of enlightenment. Over time, however, the mosque became the Laleli Mosque, a name derived from the surrounding Laleli neighbourhood. The change of the name illustrates how the mosque became deeply integrated into the identity of the area, serving not just as a religious site but also as a cultural and social landmark.
Art historians attribute the mosque’s design to the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Mehmed Tahir Aga, who was also responsible for the Ayazma Mosque in Üsküdar. His architectural style blended classical Ottoman elements with emerging influences, reflecting the evolving tastes of the 18th century. The Laleli Mosque is a prime example of this transition. It retains the traditional structural layout of classical Ottoman mosques while incorporating newer artistic influences.
The mosque’s architectural composition adheres to the well-established principles of Ottoman mosque design. It features a large central dome, semi-domes and an elegant courtyard. However, its interior decoration distinguishes it from earlier imperial mosques. The ornamentation follows the Ottoman Baroque style, influenced by European artistic trends of the time.
Beyond its architectural significance, the Laleli Mosque has played an important role in Istanbul’s religious and cultural life for centuries. It has withstood the test of time, surviving earthquakes, fires and political changes while remaining a revered place of worship. Today, it stands as a testament to Sultan Mustafa III’s vision and the artistic excellence of Ottoman-era architecture.
Like most other Ottoman imperial mosques, the Laleli Mosque stands at the centre of a külliye – a religious complex that included a sebil (public fountain) and a madrasa (Islamic school). Attached to the mosque is the mausoleum of Sultan Mustafa III.
The entire complex suffered significant damage in the 1766 earthquake and also in the 1783 fire. That same year, they restored the mosque with careful attention to preserving its original design.
However, the 1911 fire destroyed a madrasa. Later, the construction work on Ordu Street led to the destruction of additional parts of the original complex.
SULTAN MUSTAFA III
Fortunately, the mausoleum where Sultan Mustafa III and Sultan Selim III are buried has been preserved.
Sultan Mustafa III ruled the Ottoman Empire for 17 years, from 1757 to 1774. He was the son of Sultan Ahmed III and Mihrişah Kadın.
During his reign, he worked to increase prosperity in Istanbul. He implemented a strict fiscal policy and regulated coinage. He also invested in public infrastructure by constructing large grain stores and maintaining the city’s aqueducts.
One of his most significant contributions to modern-day Istanbul was the complete reconstruction of the Fatih Mosque. Originally built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed shortly after the fall of Constantinople, the mosque had suffered extensive damage over time. In addition to this major project, Mustafa III also commissioned the construction of the Ayazma Mosque and the Laleli Mosque.
He passed away in 1774 at Topkapı Palace. His brother, Abdul Hamid I, succeeded him as the new sultan.
Though his rule had its difficulties, Sultan Mustafa III’s vision for economic reform, urban development, and architectural patronage left a lasting mark on the Ottoman Empire. His contributions to Istanbul’s infrastructure and religious architecture ensures that his legacy endures.
SULTAN SELIM III
Sultan Selim III ruled the Ottoman Empire for 18 years, from 1789 to 1807. He ascended the throne during a time of great political upheaval, coinciding with the French Revolution.
He was the son of Sultan Mustafa III and Mihrişah Sultan.
Determined to modernize the empire, Selim III embarked on an ambitious military reform by creating a completely new infantry corps composed of Turkish peasant youths from Anatolia. This new unit, known as Nizam-ı Cedid (“The New Order”), was established in 1787 in response to the declining effectiveness of the traditional devshirme system. However, despite his efforts, Selim III struggled to integrate this modernized force with the existing Ottoman army.
The Janissaries, who had long held significant influence within the military and state affairs, strongly opposed his reforms. Viewing the Nizam-ı Cedid as a direct threat to their power and independence, they refused to serve alongside the new troops.
Tensions between the sultan and the Janissaries ultimately led to his downfall. In 1807, they revolted, deposing and imprisoning Selim III. They placed his cousin, Mustafa IV, on the throne. Shortly afterward, a group of assassins went into Sultan Selim’s chambers and killed him.
OTTOMAN BAROQUE IN LALELI MOSQUE
The Laleli Mosque is just a short ten-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar. While the bazaar and its surrounding streets are constantly teeming with tourists, the mosque remains a quiet, almost hidden gem. Visitors to Istanbul pass by without realizing its significance.
During my visits to the Laleli Mosque, I enjoyed its peaceful atmosphere. Unlike the more famous mosques of Istanbul, which attract large crowds of international visitors, this mosque seems to be frequented almost exclusively by local worshippers. Each time, I found a tranquil space filled with the quiet presence of those engaged in prayer and reflection. The absence of tourists made the experience even more special. I could appreciate the mosque’s beauty and serenity without distraction.
Architecturally, the Laleli Mosque is a remarkable example of late 18th-century Ottoman Baroque design. Its ornamentation and grand yet harmonious proportions reflect a period when Ottoman architecture was evolving under European influences while still maintaining its distinct identity. The mosque stands as a testament to the artistic refinement and grandeur of the Ottoman imperial era. It reflects the skill of its architects and the vision of Sultan Mustafa III, who commissioned its construction.
Despite being overshadowed by Istanbul’s more famous landmarks, the Laleli Mosque is undoubtedly one of the city’s hidden treasures. It is a place where history, art and spirituality combine. There, you get a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience an authentic piece of the Ottoman heritage.
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