Visions of naval history rise before us here at the Barbaros Camii. This mosque isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a tribute to one of the Ottoman Empire’s most celebrated admirals. He is known as Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha.
The Barbaros Camii stands proudly in Istanbul’s Levent neighborhood. Levent owes its name to the “levends”. These were the irregular sailors of Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha’s navy. President Erdogan highlighted this connection during the mosque’s inauguration.
The idea for Barbaros Camii was born from a desire to honor this legendary figure. The mosque’s design was inspired by the Suleymaniye Mosque. That mosque is a masterpiece by the famous architect Mimar Sinan. Sinan’s architectural genius shaped much of the Ottoman Empire. Maritime motifs throughout the mosque serve as a constant reminder of Hayrettin Barbarossa’s naval legacy.
President Erdogan himself inaugurated the Barbaros Camii in May 2023. Construction had begun three years prior in July 2020. The project cost 750 million Turkish lira. That is about 50 million US dollars. The mosque is the largest in the area between Sarıyer’s Büyükdere and the Yildiz Mosque.
The Barbaros Camii complex offers many amenities. There is an underground parking lot for 1,000 cars. There is also a workshop, a library, a multipurpose hall, and a dining hall. The mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers.
Classic Ottoman architectural elements blend with modern techniques and nanotechnology. The mosque’s dome is crafted from solid copper sheets. Gold and silver accents adorn it. These are reminiscent of the Grand Çamlıca Mosque. The main dome has a diameter of 24 meters and a height of 44 meters. Four minarets surround the mosque. Two are 79 meters tall. The other two reach 92 meters.
Inside, calligrapher Ferhat Kurlu has inscribed verses from Surah Ibrahim of the Quran. These verses emphasize the importance of water and the sea. Miniature and illumination works by Mustafa Çelebi also feature blue tones. These are in reference to the sea.
Blue carpets with a sea theme cover the floor. They were specially woven in Manisa province. The mihrab is 13.5 meters high. It indicates the direction of the Kaaba. The preaching pedestal and doors feature Seljuk patterns. The main door measures 5.9 meters wide and 13 meters high.
Ergin Külünk stated that they tried to deliver a thematic mosque. It represents Barbaros Hayrettin, his works, the sea, and related details. Special tiles were prepared for the mosque. These tiles use modern and classical patterns. Mehmet Gürsoy, a UNESCO “Living Human Treasure”, created the drawings.
Külünk emphasized their adherence to Mimar Sinan’s architectural legacy. The Barbaros Camii is a classic work. It attracts foreign tourists. The Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha Mosque stands as a testament to Ottoman naval power. It is also a celebration of architectural heritage. As you stand here, remember the “levends” and their legendary captain. Their spirit is forever woven into the fabric of this magnificent structure. The Barbaros Camii connects us to Istanbul’s rich maritime past.