Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Camii,
Situated at the southern end of the Dolmabahçe Palace complex, the mosque was built by Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdülmecid. The mosque is commonly called the Dolmabahçe Mosque due to its location. It is a selâtin cami (imperial mosque), which means, it was built by a Sultan and the Sultan made the payments out of his own pocket.
It was constructed between 1853 and 1855 by the architect Nigoğos Balyan (1826-1858) in Baroque style. The mosque, with a square plan of 25m x 25m, has a noticeable geometrical prism design. On the north side, the mosque, with beautiful arched windows, has two minarets each with a single şerefe (balcony).
The mosque was used as the Navy Museum between 1948 and 1962. After its restoration in 1966, it was opened to worshippers. The structure underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2007.
Hours: this is a functioning mosque, therefore visiting hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm every day, but visiting is interrupted during the prayer times.
Admission: Free. Donations are accepted.
Rules: when entering a Mosque, visitors are asked to take their shoes off and female visitors to cover their head and shoulders. Skirts and pants should reach below the knee. If needed, mosque officials will be pleased to assist you. If there are signs, such as clearly prohibiting the use of flashes to protect the artwork, please, follow the rules.
