Taksim Mosque, is a controversial praying temple for Muslims, built in 2021, in Beyoğlu district, Istanbul, Turkey. As it is mentioned in previous contents, Taksim Square has a wide variety of activities and facilities, which consists of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, Atatürk Cultural Center, Aya Triada Church, and Taksim Mosque. The mosque is pretty new when it’s compared to others in Taksim Square. It is known that Taksim Square is associated with the concept of “Secularism” as Gezi Park Protests were held there. These reasons explain why it was controversial to build a mosque near Taksim Square.
Taksim Mosque was constructed by two architects Şefik Birkiye and Selim Dalaman. The mosque has a 3000 people capacity. Actually, it is a mosque complex and has an underground parking area, a library, an exhibition hall, a saloon, and a soup kitchen.
History of Taksim Mosque
Taksim Mosque’s construction project was initially discussed in 1968. To be able to construct the mosque, the “Taksim Mosque Building and Sustenance Association” was founded. However, when the 1980 Military Coup occupied the administration, the association was closed for the reason that constructing a mosque is not demanded by the neighboring community. The field where the mosque is located right now was specified in 1977. Yet the Court of State declined the building of a mosque in Taksim Square. In the 1990s the project of the mosque became a current issue again. In 1993, most of the parts of Beyoğlu were considered Urban Protected Areas. The mosque project was related to the plans for Protected Areas.
Organizations that function around the Beyoğlu district objected to the determinations of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Therefore, Istanbul 10th Administrative Court canceled the Protection and Construction Plan. The Municipality of Beyoğlu objected to the last decision of the Administration Court, and the State of Court led to the building of the mosque in Taksim Square. Thus, Taksim Mosque’s foundation date is 2017, and it was completed in 2021. The mosque was inaugurated with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in a Friday prayer. Before the opening ceremony, Taksim Square was washed with rose water.
The architecture of the Taksim Mosque
The project was planned by lots of architects, one of the most charming projects was the “Taksim Republic Mosque and Museum of Religions” which was rewarded with the “International Union of Architects”.
Taksim Mosque’s architectural plan was held by Şefik Birkiye and Selim Dalaman was accepted. The mosque was built according to the architectural movement of Art-deco or Neo-deco. Art Deco is a modern way of architecture, that’s why geometrical shapes and symmetrical moves are mostly seen. When we look at Taksim Square, it is obvious that windows and semi-domes are symmetrical. Ecru and grey colored mosque looks pretty modern way of a mosque. The mosque has two minarets. Unlike other historical Baroque mosques in Istanbul, Taksim Mosque has simpler but a clean scenes.
Although the outside of the mosque has a modern look, the inside is tried to be made more aesthetic. The walls are furnished with the name of Allah, Prophet Muhammed, and 4 khalifas with the art of calligraphy. At the entrance, on the floor and the ceiling, there is 8 cornered star that belongs to Selcuks. Every corner symbolizes mercy, compassion, patience, secretion, generosity, loyalty, gratitude, and righteousness. On the dome, there is the Surah of Fatiha with massive fonts.
The mosque has 4 gates. On the hoop of the dome, Surah of Ali-Imran’s 190th verse is written. Also, Surah al Bakarah’s 285. and 286. verses and Ayet-ul Kursi are drawn around the walls with calligraphy. That means it is possible to see the Islamic motives inside the mosque. Also, a massive chandelier is lighting up the mosque with 60 lamps. Lastly, the mosque was constructed according to the heights of other buildings such as Aya Triada Eastern Orthodox Church and Atatürk Cultural Center.
Taksim Square Mosque is located just behind the Taksim Water Tank, built under the command of Sultan Mahmud I in 1731. You can both visit Taksim Mosque and see the historical Water Tank on your Istanbul trip.
How to get to Taksim Mosque?
M2 (Yenikapı-Hacıosman) metro line is a cozy transportation way. Also, the Marmaray train line, which runs between Ataköy and Pendik is another vehicle to get to Taksim Mosque. Bus lines, numbered 129T, 49T, 72T, DT1, and SG2 get to Taksim Square.
What are the nearest places which are worth to visit?
The mosque is in Taksim Square, which means the mosque is at the center of Beyoğlu. After visiting Taksim Mosque, you can pass to Aya Triada Church, which is a historical prayer place. Seeing from a modern mosque to a historical church will be mind-blowing. After religious places, at Atatürk Cultural Center you can participate in various kinds of activities like watching a theatre or seeing an exhibition. If you want to rest a little bit and eat, there are numerous restaurants around there. In final, you can have fun in millions of bars and nightclubs in Taksim Square. Hope you enjoy!
Where is Taksim Mosque?
Taksim Mosque is located in Taksim Square, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey.
When was Taksim Mosque built?
It was built and opened in 2021.
How can I go from Taksim Square to Blue Mosque?
After 14 minutes of walking, with tram line T1, you can reach Blue Mosque, or get on the M2 metro line and get off at the stop of Vezneciler. Then walk 20 minutes or take a taxi.
How far is Taksim Square from Blue Mosque?
There is at least 4.7 km between Taksim Square and Blue Mosque. By car, the drive lasts 20 minutes.
Boats rentals are waiting for you at Teknevia for those who want to enjoy the sea more in Istanbul.