Istanbul, Türkiye
Perched atop a pine-covered hill on Istanbul’s Asian side stands Çamlıca Tepesi, an iconic place woven into the fabric of city life. Rising above its summit, the Çamlıca Mosque glimmers with white stone and cool blue touches, its grand dome and six slender minarets forming a new visual symbol for Turkey’s largest city. Built within the past decade, this remarkable project was inspired by a desire to blend Turkey’s deep Islamic heritage with a modern vision for the country’s future.
The mosque itself is the largest in Turkey, able to welcome tens of thousands at once. What truly sets it apart, however, is its team of female architects, Bahar Mizrak and Hayriye Gül Tutu, who brought fresh perspectives to every detail. Their design weaves together traditional Ottoman forms and contemporary elements, creating something both familiar and strikingly new. The six minarets honor the core pillars of Islam and a key moment in Turkish history, while the huge central dome, surrounded by smaller domes, reflects harmony in diversity.
Beyond worship, the Çamlıca complex invites everyone to connect with culture. Inside, you will find a museum dedicated to Islamic civilizations, a bright art gallery showcasing modern Turkish and international art, a spacious and high-tech library, and a conference hall designed for large gatherings. The campus also embraces green technology, from solar panels to smart rainwater systems, merging innovation with tradition.
Çamlıca Tepesi is beloved for its open parks, cafes, and legendary views—a favorite spot for family picnics and wedding photos, with sweeping sights of the Bosphorus, the historic Golden Horn, and the city’s skyline. The lively, welcoming atmosphere here mirrors the spirit of Istanbul itself: rooted in history, open to the world, and always evolving.
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