Nuruosmaniye Mosque Complex The Nuruosmaniye Mosque is an impressive Ottoman-era mosque situated in the Çemberlitaş neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. Built in the 18th century, it is famous for its unique dome, which ranks as the fourth-largest in Istanbul, following the Hagia Sophia, Süleymaniye Mosque, and Fatih Mosque. This mosque is part of a larger religious and cultural complex called a Külliye, which functions as a hub for spiritual, cultural, and educational activities within the area. The Nuruosmaniye Mosque holds special importance as the first imperial mosque in Istanbul to be built in the distinctive Ottoman Baroque style. The mosque’s architectural elements, including the muqarnas and its rounded courtyard, clearly display the Baroque style influence. It is located on Istanbul’s second hill, the former site of Fatma Hatun’s mosque, which was lost to a fire. Nearby, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque stands close to the historic Forum of Constantine, where the Column of Constantine still remains. The mosque is also encircled by the bustling Grand Bazaar. Construction of the mosque began during the reign of Sultan Mahmoud I (1748–1754) and was completed under his successor, Sultan Osman III (1755–1808), in 1755. The mosque’s name honors Sultan Osman III, who was known as the “Light of Osman.” Additionally, the mosque is noted for its 174 windows, which brighten the main prayer hall with natural light. The Nuruosmaniye Mosque features a single dome measuring 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter and reaching a height of 43.50 meters (142.7 feet), serving as the focal point of the prayer space. The dome is reinforced by iron supports that extend from the floor through the walls up to the ceiling. Built primarily from cut stone and marble, the mosque’s design favors curved forms instead of straight lines. The complex includes two minarets, each with two balconies, and a distinctive horseshoe-shaped courtyard, a rare feature in Ottoman mosque architecture. The Nuruosmaniye Complex represents a remarkable achievement of the Ottoman Empire in the realms of politics, society, culture, and art during the late 18th century. The introduction of a novel architectural style within the complex symbolizes the peak of aesthetic and architectural progress at that time, mirroring the socio-cultural transformations occurring in society. This Nuruosmaniye Complex demonstrates a fusion of Western European and Ottoman artistic and technical traditions, alongside the local interpretation of European architectural influences, highlighting a cultural blend. The complex combines innovative concepts with traditional approaches, featuring Baroque decorative elements not only in public fountains but also in prominent buildings and mosques erected throughout the Ottoman Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 2016, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque Complex was included on the UNESCO Tentative List, acknowledging its importance in history and culture. For any questions or further information about the Nuruosmaniye Mosque Complex, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.