Camlica Mosque
Ferah Yolu Sk. 6, Istanbul, Turkey, 34692
Look across the Bosphorus at Asian Istanbul, and the first thing you’ll notice is the Camlica Mosque (Çamlıca Camii). As the largest mosque in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), it has a capacity for 63,000 worshipers beneath its 70 domes. (Compare that to the Blue Mosque’s nine domes and 10,000–person capacity.) Though often overlooked by tourists, it’s worth a visit.
The basics
Explore the mosque’s spectacular interior at your own pace, and feel free to sit down and relax. The complex is sprawling, so give yourself a couple of hours to see the Museum of Islamic Civilization and Mustafa Celebi Art Gallery, in addition to the mosque. Afterwards, grab a drink or a bite at the on–site Beltur café. Most tours of Asian Istanbul stop at Camlica Mosque, along with the nearby Kadikoy district.
Things to know before you go
The site is a functioning mosque, so men and women must cover their shoulders and legs, and women must also wear a head covering.
For women, consider bringing your own shawl or scarf to cover your head.
Throughout your visit, keep your voice low to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
How to get there
Camlica Mosque can be reached by public transportation or taxi. If you’re a diehard public transit user, take bus 1, 14F, 14FD, or C118 from the Üsküdar Ferry Terminal to the Büyük Çamlıca Camii stop. Additionally, many guided tours of Istanbul’s Asian side include transportation to and from Camlica Mosque, providing a comfortable sightseeing experience.
When to get there
The best times to visit Camlica Mosque are weekdays, to avoid the weekend crowds. Keep in mind that the mosque is closed to visitors during prayer times (typically lasting 20 minutes), which vary by day. You can find the schedule outside the mosque. Thanks to its hilltop location, Camlica Mosque is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Istanbul skyline.
Istanbul without the tourists
After you visit Camlica Mosque, take a quick taxi ride down to Kuzguncuk. This charming neighborhood rarely sees foreign visitors, making it the perfect destination for a local experience. The area is beloved for its colorful Ottoman mansions, and you’ll always see a handful of couples taking wedding photos. Kuzguncuk is also famous for its cafés and boutiques. If you’ve worked up an appetite, grab lunch at Metet Kozde Döner, one of the city's top döner (meat patty) restaurants.
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