ISTANBUL, Turkey / Türkiye - The large, decorated mihrab (niche) inside the Nuruosmaniye Mosque, ornately decorated in Ottomon-Baroque style. Nuruosmaniye Mosque, standing next to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, was completed in 1755 and was the first and largest mosque to be built in Ottoman Baroque style.


Nuruosmaniye Mosque, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a marvel of baroque and neoclassical architecture. Constructed between 1748 and 1755 during the reign of Sultan Mahmud I, this mosque represents a significant shift in Ottoman architectural styles, introducing baroque elements into Islamic religious architecture. The mosque's name, "Nuruosmaniye," translates as "The Light of Osman," referring to the Ottoman dynasty. A significant feature of this mosque is its large, central dome, flanked by semi-domes, creating a stunning visual effect of cascading domes when viewed from a distance. It also has a distinctive two-minaret design, an unusual feature for mosques of this period. The Nuruosmaniye Mosque's interior is as spectacular as its exterior. It is adorned with an array of intricate designs and carvings, including beautiful floral motifs and arabesque patterns, a characteristic feature of the baroque style. The mosque is part of the larger Nuruosmaniye Complex, which includes a madrasa (educational institution), a library, a tomb, and various shops. It is located near the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, making it a strategic cultural and commercial hub in Istanbul's old city. Over the centuries, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque has not only served as a place of worship but also as a historical landmark symbolizing the architectural evolution of the Ottoman Empire. Today, it remains an important site for architectural study, religious activity, and cultural tourism, contributing significantly to the rich tapestry of Istanbul's cultural heritage.


Size: 4476px × 6706px
Location: Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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