Let me say a word about the correct spelling of this mosque’s name. In Turkish, it is the Teşvikiye Mosque. However, since the letter “ş” does not exist in English, I am using “s” instead. Given that this is an English-language text, search engines might not recognize the original spelling, making the post less visible. This minor but necessary adjustment does not alter the meaning. Readers will still clearly understand which mosque is being referenced.
OTTOMAN IMPERIAL MOSQUES
Ottoman sultans and members of the dynasty commissioned numerous historic monuments, often in the form of külliye, vast complexes centred 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.
TESVIKIYE MOSQUE
To visit the Tesvikiye Mosque, you have to step off the usual tourist paths. That’s probably why I hadn’t seen it until June 2024, despite having visited Istanbul many times before.
Like many other Ottoman monuments located beyond the shadow of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, this mosque requires a genuine interest in Ottoman history, architecture and art to seek it out.
Tesvikiye Mosque is located in Nişantaşı, an upscale neighbourhood known for its designer boutiques and elegant restaurants. Personally, I find Istanbul’s bazaars far more captivating, but it’s interesting to experience this different side of the city as well. Istanbul isn’t just the Grand Bazaar and its surrounding areas. It’s also, in many ways, a vibrant European metropolis.
Sultan Selim III commissioned the construction of the original Tesvikiye Mosque in 1794, marking one of his many contributions to Istanbul’s rich Ottoman heritage. During his reign, he also oversaw the reconstruction of one the city’s most important religious landmarks – the Eyüp Sultan Mosque. In addition, he commissioned the construction of the Grand Selimiye Mosque, a sultanic complex that bears his name.
However, by the mid-19th century, the original Tesvikiye Mosque had fallen into such a state of disrepair that a complete reconstruction was necessary. In 1854, Sultan Abdülmecid I ordered the building of an entirely new mosque on the same site.
This new structure departed from the classical Ottoman style and embraced the neo-Baroque aesthetic, offering a distinctly different architectural experience. Its grand façade, adorned with massive white columns, stands in striking contrast to the traditional forms of earlier imperial mosques.
The Tesvikiye Mosque’s design perfectly captures the evolving architectural tastes of the time. It reflected the Western influences that were increasingly shaping the Ottoman Empire during its final century. It is both a symbol of innovation and a reminder of an empire gradually moving toward its twilight.
TESVIKIYE MOSQUE – NEO-BAROQUE OTTOMAN GEM
If you follow the same path I took, a visit to this mosque can become a wonderful way to spend a day in Istanbul.
To begin with, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a part of the city where foreign tourists are few and far between. This offers a refreshing, more authentic glimpse into everyday life in Istanbul. The mosque itself is a true hidden gem. It’s a striking example of neo-Baroque Ottoman architecture that stands apart from the more famous imperial mosques of earlier centuries.
After visiting the mosque, you can continue your walk toward Beşiktaş, one of the city’s liveliest and most vibrant neighbourhoods. Along the way, you’ll pass through streets filled with local shops, cafés and a lively atmosphere that reflects the modern spirit of Istanbul.
Once in Beşiktaş, you’ll find many restaurants where you can stop for lunch or simply enjoy a Turkish tea. Before heading back to the historic heart of the city, be sure to visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque. It’s another beautiful work of Ottoman architecture, built by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan.
This combination of history, culture and relaxed exploration makes for a truly memorable day in Istanbul, far from the usual tourist routes.
