Audio GuideŞakirin Mosque

Şakirin Camii, pronounced Sha-keer-in Jami, stands as a striking modern landmark in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district, right at the entrance to the historic Karacaahmet Cemetery, where traditions echo among ancient gravestones. Opened in the late two thousand aughts, this mosque was created by the Semiha Şakir Foundation in memory of İbrahim and Semiha Şakir, whose resting place inspired their children to establish a contemporary house of worship dedicated to gratitude—a meaning reflected in the mosque’s Arabic name.

Birol Erdinç Sel

Unlike many older mosques, Şakirin Camii boldly combines innovation and heritage. From afar, the mosque’s smooth aluminum dome glows in the sunlight, supported by two slender minarets, each rising a little over thirty meters high. Large glass walls—unusual for mosques—fill the prayer hall with soft, natural light and connect those inside with the world outside.

Bilal Sarwar

The sacred space inside was shaped by architect Hüsrev Tayla and interior designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, who made history as the first woman to design the interior of a mosque in modern Turkey. Every element is a fusion of tradition and new vision. The prayer hall is adorned with Seljuk-inspired motifs, gentle turquoise, and golden details. Look up, and you will discover a chandelier sparkling with delicate glass drops—crafted to resemble rain, a symbol of divine blessing. Calligrapher Semih İrteş’s elegant Arabic script sweeps along the dome, while the minbar, from which sermons are delivered, is made of clear acrylic, blending old customs with present-day creativity.

Michał Bolcek

In the courtyard, a beautiful fountain designed by artist William Pye bubbles quietly—a sphere of water and stone that mirrors the mosque and peaceful sky. Underneath, there is a parking area and exhibition space, signaling a mosque open to both spiritual and community life.

Şakirin Camii’s commitment to environmental responsibility is also notable. Reports call it one of the most carbon-neutral mosques in Turkey, using modern building techniques to minimize its impact. Its transparent design lets visitors glimpse daily life and prayer through wide windows, inviting openness and connection.

By blending advanced materials with classic motifs—visible in the hand-painted calligraphy and the echoes of Seljuk art—Şakirin Camii honors Istanbul’s centuries of Islamic architecture while pointing to something distinctly new. It is not just a place of worship, but a cultural space that welcomes all, reflecting both gratitude and vision in every curve and shimmer.