A couple days ago, we crossed to the Asian side of Turkey, to Üsküdar, and visited the massive mosque being built on Çamlıca. This mosque is planned to be of Ottoman architecture, but many people are asking, “Why?” Why this location for a mosque? And why Ottoman style? With the large size of the mosque, it is anticipated that this will be a significant structure- possibly, even, to draw in tourists. Firstly, we need to understand that it seems most people who oppose of this construction are not opposed to the religion; they’re opposed to the possible ramifications of this building. The location of the mosque is not easily accessible, which I personally witnessed. If from the European side, we had to cross a body of water. Even if not from the European side, we took a taxi ride, climbed a number of steep hills and traversed numerous upwards-heading winding roads to reach it. Also, because the Çamlıca mosque is to be of huge importance, people don’t understand why it has to be Ottoman style. Walking through Istanbul, one would see that most mosques, from the smallest to largest, oldest to newer, are Ottoman-inspired. Interestingly, the plans show six minarets, similarly to the only mosque currently displaying six, The Blue Mosque.
According to an August 2013 Today’s Zaman report, the government hopes to create an Islamic symbol for all with this mosque.
“The mosque, which will occupy a nearly 15,000-square-meter plot and will hold approximately 30,000 people, has been designed to be visible from every corner of İstanbul, and plans include cultural and social facilities in its vicinity. Additional facilities will be constructed in a total area of 57,511 square meters, including the mosque, a tourist area with cafés and restaurants, a recreation area, a children’s park and facilities where courses on Ottoman calligraphy, gilding and ebru (paper marbling) will be offered.”
The correspondent from from Today’s Zaman expressed the same sentiments, that President Erdogan “appeals to the people’s emotions,” and that she, as a Muslim, is opposed to this mosque because of the businesses that would come with it.
This connects to my project exploring the recent revival of Ottoman culture and it’s implications in urban planning. Here, we see the government advertising the erecting of the mosque as an homage to their history, which caused them to clear a hill, use green space, as well as possibly will cause them to build more around the mosque. Because of its inaccessibility, transportation may also be considered to be built.
Overall, this was an informative trip, and the meeting with the Today’s Zaman correspondent richly added to the trip.
