Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

Taksim Meydanı (Taksim Sq; ₺ 2.50) and to Harbiye, where Turkey’s major military museum, the Askeri Müze, is located. The Ottoman military band known as the Mehter performs there most days at 3pm and 4pm. ORTAKÖY MOSQUE ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Ortaköy Camii, Büyük Mecidiye Camii; İskele Meydanı, Ortaköy; g Ortaköy) This elegant baroque-style structure was designed by Nikoğos Balyan, one of the architects of Dolmabahçe Palace, and built for Sultan Abdül Mecit I between 1853 and 1855. The modern Bosphorus Bridge) looms behind the recently restored mosque, providing a fabulous photo opportunity for those wanting to illustrate İstanbul’s ‘old meets new’ character. Beneath the mosque’s ornate ceiling hang several masterful examples of Arabic calligraphy executed by Abdül Mecit, who was an accomplished calligrapher. The mosque fronts onto İskele Meydanı, the hub of this former fishing village and home to a pretty fountain and waterfront cafes. On weekends the square and surrounding streets host an unremarkable but popular street market.

MOSQUE