Completed in 2009, the Şakirin Mosque was built in memory of Ibrahim and Semiha Şakir by their children. The mosque’s name is obviously a reflection of the family name but it also has the literal meaning in Arabic of “those who are thankful (to God).” What makes this mosque unlike any other in the country is that the interior design team was led by a woman - Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu -who also happens to be Şakir's grand-niece.

The first impression you have upon entering the mosque is one of light and open space and elegance. Even the women’s area, which is usually a small closed-off area in traditional mosques, is a spacious balcony separated from the rest of the space only by criss-crossing rails to allow the women at prayer a view of the stunning chandelier.

The large asymmetrical chandelier is covered in small suspended glass globes shaped like drops of water. The design references a prayer that Allah’s light should fall on worshippers like rain. The rings of the chandelier also have the 99 names of God written on them. The large windows on three sides of the prayer hall allow sunlight to filter in and are inscribed with gold designs that make them look like pages from the Qur’an. The gracefully curving minbar is made of cream-colored acrylic and is covered with an elegant design of leaves and carnations that represents the universe and looks like calligraphy from a distance. The prominent mihrab is a vibrant turquoise and gold, and was inspired, like the wrought iron grills on the windows, by historical Selçuk patterns.

The outside of the mosque is no less innovative. Its sleek, metallic form and dark grey stones complement and contrast with the light and space inside.

How to Get There:

This mosque is located directly across the street from the Zeynep Kamil Hastanesi bus stop on one of the main roads that run from Üsküdar to Kadıköy. Take the 12A bus from either direction and you will reach it easily. Alternatively, it's a fairly short taxi ride from either Üsküdar or Kadıköy.