5 Baroque Mosques in Istanbul

The Baroque movement emerged in the late stages of Mannerism, a 16th-century Italian art movement, positioning itself in contrast to Renaissance art in Italy. The term “Baroque” is thought to have originated from the Portuguese word “Barroco,” meaning irregularly shaped or contorted. Some scholars also suggest it may derive from the surname of Italian artist Federigo Baroccio.

Defined by its dynamic and irregular forms, Baroque style is known for its grandeur and dramatic expression. Its architectural works captivate with their opulence, incorporating features such as elaborate fountains, intricate sculptures, expansive gardens, and richly decorated walls. A hallmark of Baroque architecture is its use of curved, oval, asymmetrical, and non-geometric shapes.

Emerging in the late 16th century, Baroque style remained influential across various fields, including architecture and interior and exterior design, until the mid-18th century. Rococo, an evolution of Baroque, originated in France and later spread throughout Europe. As a result, France and Italy became the key centers of Baroque architecture. However, the style also made its mark on the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the 18th century. Over time, Ottoman architects developed their own distinctive interpretation, known as Ottoman Baroque (or Turkish Baroque), which blended elements of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles.

Here is a selection of Baroque mosques in Istanbul that we picked for you.

Nuruosmaniye Mosque

The Nuruosmaniye Mosque stands as the centerpiece of its complex, which includes a madrasa, imaret, library, tomb, sabil, and fountain, all encircled by a series of shops. Recognized as the most striking example of Baroque influence in Ottoman architecture, the mosque reflects a significant departure from classical Ottoman design.

To realize this ambitious project, Sultan Mahmud I had European church plans brought in and enlisted a Greek master builder named Simon. The intention was to model the mosque after these plans; however, opposition from religious scholars ultimately led to their abandonment.

The Nuruosmaniye Mosque, elevated on a basement due to the site’s topography, features a traditional square prayer hall crowned by a 25.75-meter dome. Departing from classical Ottoman designs, it introduces a polygonal courtyard without a central fountain and a polygonal mihrab projection covered by a half-dome.

The mosque’s twin minarets, positioned at the east and west ends of the latecomers’ portico, each have two balconies with stone finials. Porticoes extend along the east and west façades, leading to galleries that open into the prayer hall, with the eastern portico serving as the sultan’s loge. Inside, high galleries line the walls, enhancing the mosque’s verticality, while the marble mihrab and minbar add to its elegance.

A key architectural highlight is its imposing dome, which dominates the structure with a sculptural quality unique to Ottoman design. The mosque incorporates European architectural influences, seen in its flowing arches, circular minaret consoles, exaggerated cornices, and curved moldings.

Fully clad in marble, the mosque is richly decorated with Western-inspired ornamental details, reinterpreting classical arches and column capitals. The interior features intricate carvings, undulating curves, and calligraphic inscriptions by master calligraphers of the time.

As a hallmark of Ottoman-Baroque architecture, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque stands out for its polygonal courtyard and apsidal mihrab area, blending innovation with traditional single-dome mosque design.

Nusretiye Mosque (Tophane Mosque)

The Nusretiye Mosque is another striking example of Baroque architecture. Built in 1826 during the reign of Mahmud II, it was designed by Krikor Amira Balyan and became a prominent feature of Istanbul’s 19th-century skyline. Sultan Mahmud II named the mosque “Nusretiye,” meaning “sacred victory,” to commemorate the dissolution of the Janissary corps.

Located in the Tophane district, the mosque was part of a larger complex that included a sabil, a fountain, and an imperial pavilion. It was built on the site of an earlier mosque that had been destroyed by fire. The Nusretiye Mosque played a significant role in the modernization efforts of the Ottoman Empire, reflecting European architectural influences while maintaining traditional Ottoman elements.

Its design closely resembles that of the Usküdar Selimiye Mosque, with the prayer hall’s domes showcasing an oval form characteristic of the Baroque style. Key Baroque elements include the protruding buttresses supporting the dome drum, the convex-concave cornice encircling it, and the intricate embellishments on the minaret balconies. The mosque is also distinguished by its rich and elaborate architectural details, as well as its grand, suspended arches. Additionally, the curved cornices and the ornate public fountain (sebil) outside further emphasize the mosque’s Baroque elegance, reflecting its characteristic fluidity and opulence.

The interior of the mosque is adorned with intricate calligraphy, floral motifs, and gilded decorations, creating a sense of grandeur. Large windows allow for abundant natural light, enhancing the spaciousness and highlighting the mosque’s delicate ornamentation. The Nusretiye Mosque remains a key architectural landmark, symbolizing the fusion of Ottoman and European influences during the 19th century.

Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque (Ortakoy Mosque)

The Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, also known as the Ortakoy Mosque, is a significant symbol of 19th-century eclecticism, blending various architectural styles. Commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid in 1853, the mosque was designed by architect Nikogos Balyan and stands prominently along the Bosphorus, making it one of Istanbul’s most picturesque landmarks. Constructed as a two-story structure with suspended arches, its floors are supported by curved cornices.

The mosque incorporates both convex and concave forms in its design, a hallmark of Baroque architecture. Like other mosques studied, the Ortakoy Mosque features oval staircases. One of its most striking Baroque elements is the ceiling frescoes in the entrance hall. Additionally, the mosque’s large, arched windows allow ample natural light to illuminate its richly decorated interior, enhancing the grandeur of its ornamentation.

The Ortakoy Mosque’s location at the water’s edge adds to its visual impact, making it a defining feature of the Bosphorus skyline. Its elegant minarets, intricate carvings, and elaborate calligraphic inscriptions further emphasize its artistic significance. In summary, the interplay of convex and concave forms, along with its rich ornamentation, frescoes, and waterfront presence, reflects the influence of the Baroque style while maintaining a unique Ottoman character.

Laleli Mosque

Located in the Beyazit district of Istanbul’s Fatih district, the Laleli Mosque was commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Mustafa III and designed by architect Mehmet Tahir Aga. It is considered the most significant work of Mehmet Tahir Aga, who is recognized as one of the original architects of Turkish Baroque architecture. The mosque is a striking masterpiece, featuring galleries and arched sections along its brick and stone structure.

While the mosque has a rectangular foundation, its main plan follows an octagonal layout. Except for two columns, all its structural supports are embedded within the walls. The interior is particularly fascinating, adorned with sophisticated marble in shades of yellow, red, and blue, as well as semi-precious stones like jade embedded in the walls. The marble mihrab, decorative wall panels, and the Quran pulpit made of wood with mother-of-pearl inlays contribute to its harmonious aesthetic.

Originally part of a larger complex, the mosque was once accompanied by a bathhouse and a madrasa, both of which have not survived due to destruction over time. Today, only a few charitable institutions remain around the mosque, while its imaret (public kitchen) is located outside. Just a short distance from the mosque, one can find the tombs of Sultan Mustafa III and his son, Sultan Selim III, the 28th ruler of the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, a beautifully designed public fountain (sebil) stands nearby.

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Beylerbeyi Mosque

Situated on the Anatolian shore of the Bosphorus, adjacent to Beylerbeyi Pier and overlooking the sea, the Beylerbeyi Mosque—also known as Hamid-i Evvel Mosque—stands as a remarkable example of 18th-century Ottoman Baroque architecture.

Commissioned by Sultan Abdulhamid I in memory of his mother, Rabia Sermi Sultan, the mosque was designed by the Chief Imperial Architect Mehmed Tahir Aga. Construction began on April 3, 1777, and was completed by August 15, 1778, under the supervision of Şehremini Hafız el-Hac Mustafa Efendi.

Reflecting the Baroque aesthetic, the mosque features load-bearing walls made of finely cut stone. Its main structure is centered around a grand dome resting on an octagonal base, complemented by a semi-dome over the mihrab, emphasizing the architectural dynamism of the design. The mosque is bathed in natural light through its 55 windows, while the interior showcases an exquisite blend of Ottoman and European influences, with painted decorations and richly adorned tiles.

Despite its grandeur, the mosque endured damage from multiple fires, notably in 1969 and again on March 13, 1983. The latter fire, originating from the neighboring Ismail Pasha Mansion, led to the collapse of the mosque’s wooden dome section. However, restoration efforts by the General Directorate of Foundations were swift, and the mosque was reopened for worship on May 29, 1983.

Today, Beylerbeyi Mosque remains an enduring symbol of Ottoman Baroque architecture, blending elegance, history, and spiritual significance along the Bosphorus.