“Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii Projesi: A move that might close an era and open a new one in mosque architecture” That was what Dr Ahmet Vefik Alp said. The Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii is more than just a building. It is a story of Istanbul’s evolving identity.
Istanbul has been a city of many cultures and faiths. For centuries the Beyoglu-Pera area thrived as a hub for non-Muslim communities. Their architecture shaped the landscape. Churches and synagogues rose. Mosques were few and small due to a smaller Muslim population. Friday prayers often spilled onto the streets. A need for a central mosque became clear.
The Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii faced challenges. The 50-year-old Taksim Mosque Culture and Art Foundation wanted to build it. They chose a site behind the historic Maksem Cistern currently a parking lot. This sparked debate. Conservatives desired a mosque. More liberal groups opposed it. The project became a symbolic clash of ideologies a regime debate.
Concerns arose. Some feared a massive Mimar Sinan-style mosque. But, building a mosque in Taksim was a necessity for Turkey. The site near the Maksem Cistern was suitable. The Foundation had commissioned mosque designs before. However, none were remarkable.
The new Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii aimed to be different. It sought to reflect today’s culture materials and technology. Copying Sinan’s style seemed wrong for Taksim Square the symbol of modern Turkey. A contemporary architectural statement was essential. The Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii project included a ‘Museum of Religions’. This would welcome tourists of all faiths. Taksim Square would become a meeting point for world cultures.
The mosque complex utilized the 2500 square meter parking lot space. The main prayer area is on the main platform level. Columns symbolize people praying to Allah. A 15-meter diameter sphere rests on a circular bell-shaped structure. The sphere’s height is 20 meters. The bell is accessible by elevators escalators and stairs. Escalators move upward for prayer entry and downward after prayer.
The Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii has a double-walled dome. The outer layer symbolizes infinity with a self-supporting structure. Its texture resembles wood grain. The word Allah is hidden within. An inner dome sits one meter inside. Lines on the outer dome control light and sunlight. The space accommodates 300 worshippers plus a women’s section for 70. The dome’s interior evokes the heavens with stars.
Below the bell, a circular area serves different functions. It’s a worship space during prayer times. It transforms into a conversation area at other times. 380 people can pray here. The open area accommodates 670 for Friday and funeral prayers. The Taksim Camii’s total capacity is approximately 1450 people. A fountain enhances the platform area. Curved seating encourages rest conversation and tea. The Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii is not just a place of worship. It’s a meeting place for all.
A 40-meter minaret mirrors the dome’s texture. An elevator serves the women’s gallery bridge and the minaret balcony. Four small crescents symbolize the four caliphs. The top crescent represents Islam. The Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii is accessible from Tarlabasi and Istiklal Streets. Symmetrical staircases lead to ablution areas and restrooms. Escalators assist worshippers returning to the main platform. Vertical transportation units connect to seven underground levels. Each level has restrooms service areas and technical facilities. Public restrooms on Taksim Street remain open. The first two underground levels receive natural light.
The first basement floor houses a conference hall and cafeteria. A library classrooms and workshops occupy the next level. A two-story foyer connects them. The 5th 4th and 3rd basement floors are the ‘Museum of Religions’. This museum depicts the origins of the Abrahamic religions. A three-story foyer with clerestory windows provides natural light. Visitors start on the 5th level exploring Judaism then Christianity and finally Islam. Each level includes a 180-degree movie theater showing short films about the religion’s history. Gift shops offer related items. The museum operates independently from the mosque. The last two basement levels serve as a 140-car parking garage accessed by two car elevators. The Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii covers 17000 square meters.
Seen from above the mosque resembles the Turkish flag’s star and crescent. From Taksim Square it evokes a rising sun by day and a rising moon by night. The Taksim Cumhuriyet Camii is a modern symbol for a historic city.