Ortakoy Mosque, officially the Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque, is a Neo-Baroque mosque commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I and designed by the Armenian Balyan family architects Garabet and Nigogayos Balyan, who also built Dolmabahce Palace; it was completed around 1854-1856. Standing right on the Ortakoy pier square on the European shore of the Bosphorus, its ornate carved-stone facade and twin minarets set against the Bosphorus Bridge make it one of the most photographed spots in Istanbul. After a major 2011-2014 restoration it reopened in June 2014, and as of 2026 it remains a living place of daily worship that welcomes visitors between prayer times. Pair a look inside with the cafes and weekend market on the square and a Bosphorus cruise for an easy half-day outing.
The waterfront silhouette of the mosque framed by the Bosphorus Bridge, especially glowing at sunset and after dark under floodlights.
The Balyans' Neo-Baroque carved stonework and two slim single-balcony minarets.
Interior calligraphy panels written by Sultan Abdulmecid I himself, an accomplished calligrapher, plus the marble and porphyry mihrab and minbar.
The light-filled prayer hall lit through tall windows over the Bosphorus, with trompe-l'oeil frescoes.
Ortakoy square around the mosque, famous for kumpir (loaded baked potato), waffles, and a weekend arts-and-crafts market.
Good to know
RulesTourist entry is paused during the five daily prayers (about 30-45 minutes each) and the Friday midday sermon. Check the prayer schedule and visit between prayer slots.
MannersThis is an active mosque with a dress code: women should cover head, shoulders and knees (scarves are available at the entrance), everyone should wear long clothing, and all visitors remove their shoes. Keep quiet inside and do not photograph worshippers up close or during prayer.
SafetyOn weekends and in high season the square and ferry pier get very crowded, and pickpockets work the crowds. Wear your bag in front and mind your phone and wallet.
CautionAt the square's food stalls, kumpir and waffle prices rise with each topping, so confirm the price before ordering. Watch for common Istanbul tricks such as taxis not using the meter or taking detours, and pushy bracelet or shoe-shine sellers.
SeasonSummer (June-August) is hot and crowded, and the waterfront is windy and cold in winter. Ramadan brings a special atmosphere but more entry restrictions around prayers and gatherings. Early morning or late afternoon is best for a calm visit and photos.
MannersEntry is free, but there is a donation box for upkeep; small donations are voluntary and never required.
Practical info
From Besiktas square, take an IETT bus such as 22 or 25E (5-8 minutes) and get off at the Ortakoy-Kabatas Erkek Lisesi stop, with the mosque right across the street; you can also take a ferry to Ortakoy from Besiktas or Kabatas, or walk about 12 minutes along the shore from Kabatas (use an Istanbulkart for transport). Entry is free and it is generally open roughly 9:00 to 18:00 but closes during prayers, so always check the latest opening and prayer times before you go.
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