The History of Dolmabahçe Mosque

Now, let’s dive into the fascinating history of this beautiful mosque. 

Dolmabahce Mosque was built in the mid-19th century, during a time when the Ottoman Empire was undergoing major changes. The ruler at the time, Sultan Abdulmecid 1st, wanted Istanbul to reflect a more modern and European-inspired style. This was also the time when Dolmabahce Palace was being built—an extravagant new home for the sultans, replacing Topkapi Palace. 

Unlike many mosques, Dolmabahce Mosque wasn’t commissioned by a sultan. Instead, it was built by Bezmialem Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdulmecid. She was a powerful and respected figure in the empire, known for her charitable work and love for architecture. Unfortunately, she passed away before seeing the mosque completed. Her son, Sultan Abdulmecid, made sure to finish it in her honor. 

The mosque was completed in 1855 and designed by Garabet Balyan, a famous Armenian architect from the Balyan family. This family was responsible for many grand buildings in Istanbul, including Dolmabahce Palace itself. You’ll notice that the mosque doesn’t look like the traditional Ottoman mosques with large courtyards and multiple domes. Instead, it has a more European touch, with tall windows, detailed decorations, and a symmetrical design. 

Throughout history, Dolmabahce Mosque has witnessed many important moments. It stood beside the palace during the final years of the Ottoman Empire and even saw the early days of the Republic of Turkey. For some time, it was used as a naval museum, but in the 1960s, it was restored and reopened as a mosque for worship. 

Today, it remains a stunning landmark of Istanbul, blending history, culture, and breathtaking architecture. Now that you know the story behind it, let’s step inside and explore its beautiful interior.