Sakirin Mosque

The Şakirin Mosque, situated on the Asian side of Istanbul in the Üsküdar district, stands apart from the city's more iconic landmarks. Its construction took four years, and the structure spans an area of 10,000 square meters. The mosque features two minarets, each rising 35 meters, and a striking dome made from aluminum composite. With its sleek, metallic exterior and muted grey tones, the building exudes a distinctly modern and contemporary architectural feel. The dome is clad in fish-scale patterned aluminum panels, while the facades combine stone and aluminum mesh finishes. Lighting design, a courtyard water feature, bronze and glass doors, and an impressive chandelier were all envisioned by Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu to infuse the space with artistic flair. The symbolic mihrab, abstracted into a sculptural centerpiece, immediately captures attention. Alongside it, the mimbar and calligraphy present modern reinterpretations of traditional Seljuk Turkish elements, setting the interior apart from that of a typical mosque. Inside the dome, calligraphy was inscribed by Semih İrteş. The large windows surrounding three sides of the prayer hall were designed by Orhan Koçan. Tayfun Erdoğmuş crafted the acrylic minbar, while the asymmetrical chandelier—with its waterdrop-shaped glass globes created by Nahide Büyükkaymakçı—symbolizes a prayer for Allah’s light to fall upon worshipers like rain. The chandelier’s rings are engraved with the 99 names of Allah. The name "Şakirin" itself, while referencing the family name of the patrons, also means “those who are thankful (to God)” in Arabic. The women’s section was thoughtfully designed to ensure an unobstructed view of the chandelier. The courtyard fountain was created by artist William Pye. In terms of layout, the mosque remains rooted in traditional Islamic architectural principles. A sahn (courtyard) surrounded by a riwaq (cloister) leads to the main entrance of the mosque—a familiar feature in Islamic religious structures. On Fridays, this courtyard often accommodates overflow worshippers. At its center lies a domed fountain pool, its spherical form echoing the mosque’s central dome. The structure also sits atop an underground parking garage and includes an exhibition area. Fadıllıoğlu took care to create an equitable worship experience for both men and women. The lower prayer hall, where men pray, offers a view of the full spatial volume, while the women’s gallery above affords a striking perspective of the chandelier in all its intricate beauty. Each space offers its own unique architectural reward. Departing from the tradition of relying solely on overhead lighting, the Şakirin Mosque features large glazed panels on three sides. These windows, framed between monumental arches that support the dome, are adorned with Arabic calligraphy in gold, allowing natural light to flood the space while maintaining spiritual symbolism.

Şakirin Mosque is a mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. The building is located at one of the entrances of Karacaahmet Cemetery in Üsküdar. It was built by the Semiha Şakir Foundation in memory of İbrahim Şakir and Semiha Şakir and opened on 7 May 2009. According to newspaper reports, it is the most carbon-neutral mosque in Turkey.

The mosque's architect was Hüsrev Tayla, known for his work on Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara and for his architectural conservation work. Its interior designer was Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, a great-niece of Semiha Şakir, and also according to newspaper reports, the first female interior designer of a mosque, as well as the first woman to design a mosque in modern Turkey.

Growing up in Istanbul, Zeynep Fadilioglu has always been largely influenced by the rich mixture of modern and traditional atmospheres in the booming city. During the construction, she consulted art historians and theologians, as to make sure it would be a place worth of worship.

“It might be color, it might be texture, it might be form. But each and every piece I have designed in the mosque, has some kind of connection with tradition,” she said.