Grand Çamlıca Mosque (Büyük Çamlıca Camii) is the largest mosque in Turkey and one of Istanbul’s most striking modern landmarks, sitting high above the Bosphorus on the Asian side of the city.
Opened in 2019, it combines classical Ottoman design with contemporary engineering and offers panoramic views, expansive grounds, and multiple cultural spaces beyond the main prayer hall.
Whether you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time or returning to explore beyond the historic mosques of Sultanahmet, this guide covers exactly how to get there, what to expect on arrival, dress code rules, visiting etiquette, and the best time to go—based on real, on-the-ground travel experience.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Büyük Çamlıca Camii |
| Opened | 2019 |
| Location | Çamlıca Hill, Üsküdar, Asian side of Istanbul |
| Capacity | Approx. 36,000 worshippers |
| Main Dome Height | 72 meters |
| Minarets | 6 (4 at 107.1 m, 2 at 90 m) |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
Grand Camlica Mosque, also known as Büyük Camlica Mosque, was built with extreme attention to detail.
Located on the Asian side of the city, close to Üsküdar, this mosque opened on 7 March 2019 and can accommodate up to 36,000 people at any time. The complex is huge and extremely impressive, not only in its beauty but also in its sheer scale.
The mosque can be seen from many parts of Istanbul, particularly from elevated viewpoints and across the Bosphorus.
Camlica Mosque has six huge minarets, symbolizing the six articles of Islamic faith (iman).
The central dome is enormous and beautifully decorated. The main dome stands 72 meters (236 feet) high and is designed to symbolically reference the 72 nations historically associated with Istanbul.
Not only that, but the main entrance door is among the largest in Turkey, measuring approximately 5 by 6.5 meters. Of course, Istanbul is also prone to earthquakes, so the mosque was constructed using modern earthquake-resistant engineering standards.
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How Do You Get to the Grand Çamlıca Mosque?
Depending on your starting point in Istanbul, you can easily reach the Camlica Mosque. First, you will need to reach the Asian side of the city. So, if you’re on the European side, you will need to take a bus or taxi across the Bosphorus Bridge, take a ferry, or use the Marmaray Metro.
Camlica Mosque is located on Camlica Hill, which offers stunning views.
Once you are in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, which is on the Asian side, right on the shores of the Bosphorus, you have a few options. You can take the M5 Metro to Umraniye, then take the 320 bus to Santral. The bus stops at the mosque. Overall, the journey shouldn’t take longer than half an hour, but remember that Istanbul traffic can be fierce!
Another option is to take the M5 Metro to Kisikli, then the 14F bus, which also stops at Camlica Mosque. This journey should take about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
However, you can avoid the stress of Istanbul’s public transport by taking a taxi from either Umraniye or Kisikli to the mosque.
If you drive, the Çamlıca Mosque in Istanbul offers parking for visitors. The mosque complex is designed to accommodate a large number of worshippers and visitors, and it includes ample parking space to meet this need. That said, availability can be limited during Friday prayers, weekends, and major religious holidays.
When using navigation apps or public transport, search for “Büyük Çamlıca Camii,” which is the official Turkish name used on maps, metro signage, and bus routes.
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What Should Visitors Know Before Visiting Grand Çamlıca Mosque?
If you use public transport of any kind, you’ll need an IstanbulKart, which lets you top up your card and tap it at the card reader when entering the Metro, ferry terminal, or bus.
These are available at the airport, at Metro stations, and at many small supermarkets.
Once you arrive at Camlica Mosque, take some time to walk around the park outside. You’ll see right over to the Asian side, and it’s a fresh, green space to spend some time. When you’ve been in Istanbul for more than a few hours, your ears will indeed be ringing from the noise and traffic, so this is an excellent moment to stop, take a breath, and get some fresh air. Also, try to visit around sunset if you can, as the view is stunning.
Once you enter the mosque complex, you’ll quickly see how big it is. Not only does the complex have a place of worship, but it also holds a library, a museum of Islamic history, an art gallery, and a café. That means you’ll need to allow yourself at least two to three hours if you want to explore everything, but if you want to spend time in the park, too, it’s best to give yourself at least half a day to get the most out of your time.
Cafés and exhibition spaces within the complex may operate on limited hours or close temporarily during prayer times or public holidays.
What Are The Visiting Hours For Grand Çamlıca Mosque?
Anyone can visit Camlica Mosque; you don’t need to be Muslim to enjoy this fantastic place. However, remember that it is an active place of worship, so you must adhere to some guidelines.
You must remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall. Shoes are typically left on racks or in provided storage areas near the entrance.
It’s also important to wear modest clothing, which means no shorts, skirts, or leggings. If the staff feel your clothing is unsuitable, they will give you a shawl to wrap around your legs or shoulders. However, ensure you cover your shoulders; it’s best to wear a baggy T-shirt as that will cover all bases.
Women will also need to cover their heads, so take a headscarf – well, any scarf in your bag, ready to put on. Again, if you don’t have one, the mosque staff can give you something to use, yet it’s best to go prepared and show respect.
Once inside, be quiet and never photograph anyone who is praying. Soak up the atmosphere and the beauty quietly.
Non-Muslim visitors are generally asked to wait outside the main prayer hall during prayer times, but they may remain within the mosque complex and are usually allowed back inside shortly after prayers end.
Visitors are usually allowed back inside shortly after prayers conclude. Friday is the main congregational prayer day in Islam, so attendance is higher around midday than on other days of the week.
FAQ About The Grand Camlica Mosque
Can I visit the Grand Camlica Mosque if I’m not Muslim?
Yes. The Grand Çamlıca Mosque is open to visitors of all faiths and welcomes non-Muslims outside of prayer times.
Where is the Grand Camlica Mosque located?
The mosque is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, on Çamlıca Hill near Üsküdar, overlooking the Bosphorus.
Is there an entrance fee to the Grand Camlica Mosque?
No. Entry to the mosque is free, although voluntary donations are accepted.
Who designed the Grand Camlica Mosque?
The mosque was designed by Turkish architects Bahadır Kul and Hayati Tabanlıoğlu, inspired by classical Ottoman mosque architecture.
How many people can the Grand Camlica Mosque accommodate?
The mosque can accommodate approximately 36,000 worshippers at one time.
Can non-Muslims visit the mosque during prayer times?
Non-Muslim visitors are usually asked to leave the main prayer hall during prayers, but may remain elsewhere in the mosque complex and re-enter shortly after prayers conclude.
What are the dress code rules at the Grand Camlica Mosque?
Visitors must dress modestly. Shoulders and legs must be covered, and women are required to cover their hair. Scarves and coverings are usually available at the entrance if needed.
What is the best way to get to the Grand Camlica Mosque?
The most common route is via the M5 Üsküdar–Çekmeköy Metro, followed by a short bus or taxi ride. Searching for “Büyük Çamlıca Camii” in navigation apps provides the most accurate directions.
How tall is the dome at the Grand Camlica Mosque?
The mosque’s main dome stands 72 meters (236 feet) high.
How tall are the minarets at the Grand Camlica Mosque?
The mosque has six minarets. Four minarets, 107.1 meters tall, have three balconies and commemorate the Seljuk Victory at Manzikert in 1071. The remaining two minarets are 90 meters tall and feature two balconies.