Audio GuideŞakirin Mosque

Şakirin Camii (pronounced Sha-keer-in Jami) is a remarkable modern landmark in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district, standing at the entrance to the historic Karacaahmet Cemetery, where echoes of tradition linger among ancient gravestones. Opened in the late two thousand and noughts, this mosque was commissioned by the Semiha Şakir Foundation in tribute to İbrahim and Semiha Şakir; their final resting place nearby inspired their children to establish a place of contemporary worship devoted to gratitude—a meaning carried in the mosque’s Arabic name.

Birol Erdinç Sel

Distinct from Istanbul’s older places of worship, Şakirin Camii confidently unites innovation with heritage. Its sleek aluminium dome shines in the sunlight, supported by two slender minarets rising just above thirty metres. Expansive glass walls—a rarity for mosques—bathe the prayer hall in soft, natural light, allowing those inside to remain connected with the world outside.

Bilal Sarwar

The sacred interior is the result of collaboration between architect Hüsrev Tayla and interior designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, who is notable as the first woman in modern Turkey to design the interior of a mosque. Every detail blends respect for tradition with a forward-looking approach. The prayer hall is decorated with Seljuk-inspired patterns, gentle turquoise tones and touches of gold. Overhead, a chandelier of delicate glass droplets shimmers, crafted to evoke rainfall as a sign of divine grace. Elegant Arabic calligraphy by Semih İrteş sweeps across the dome, while the minbar—where sermons are delivered—is fashioned from transparent acrylic, a bold combination of time-honoured ritual and modern design.

Michał Bolcek

In the courtyard, a tranquil fountain by artist William Pye quietly bubbles—a sphere of water and stone that reflects both the mosque and the peaceful sky above. Concealed below lie a parking area and an exhibition space, underscoring the mosque’s role as both a spiritual sanctuary and a centre for community life.

Şakirin Camii’s environmental ethos is equally striking. It has been recognised as one of Turkey’s most carbon-neutral mosques thanks to innovative construction methods. The transparent architecture means passersby can glimpse prayers and daily activity through the wide windows, encouraging a sense of openness and welcome.

Through its harmonious balance of contemporary materials and traditional artistry—seen in hand-painted calligraphy and subtle echoes of Seljuk design—Şakirin Camii pays homage to Istanbul’s long Islamic architectural legacy, while confidently offering something new. More than simply a place of prayer, it has become a cultural space open to all, radiating both gratitude and vision in every detail.