Ortaköy Mosque

Right on the water’s edge, this mosque is the work of Nikoğos Balyan, one of the architects of Dolmabahçe Palace. It was built for Sultan Abdül Mecit I between 1853 and 1855. With the modern Bosphorus Bridge now looming behind it, the mosque provides a fabulous photo opportunity for those wanting to illustrate İstanbul’s ‘old meets new’ character. Within the mosque hang several masterful examples of Arabic calligraphy executed by the sultan, who was an accomplished calligrapher. The mosque fronts onto Ortaköy Sq, the hub of this former fishing village and home to a pretty fountain and waterfront cafes.