High on a terrace sits Hz. Ebubekir Camii. It stands in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district. This mosque is more than just a place of worship. It’s a testament to community and architectural vision.
The Hz. Ebubekir Camii was built by the Ebu Bekir Câmii Yaptırma ve Yaşatma Derneği. Macit Toz was the architect who brought this vision to life. To reach the mosque, you must climb. From Emirhan Caddesi, turn onto Saraka Sokak. Then ascend the wide marble steps. These steps lead to a small stone courtyard in front of the mosque.
Alternatively, from Saraka Sokak you can take the side stairs. These stairs are adjacent to the mosque’s east wall. They also lead to the mosque.
Entering the Hz. Ebubekir Camii, you first step into the last congregation place. This rectangular area leads to the main prayer hall. The son cemaat yeri is covered by three domes. These domes rest on four columns and the back wall. Inside, the domes are adorned with intricate pen work. The columns feature baklava-shaped capitals. Kütahya tiles cover the walls. Two rectangular wooden windows with oval tops bring light into this space.
From the last congregation place, a wooden door opens into the harim. A central dome and two semi-domes cover the harim. Four polygonal piers support a U-shaped gallery. The gallery is covered with smaller domes. The central dome has a high drum with 60 decorated windows. These windows fill the interior with color. The dome’s interior is decorated with pen work. It is covered with lead on the outside.
Around the semi-domes are 18 smaller domes. These add to the feeling of spaciousness. Kütahya tiles adorn the harim walls and columns. Crystal chandeliers illuminate the mosque’s interior.
The mihrab is on the qibla wall. To its right are seven windows. A large window is above the mihrab. Small windows flank this large one. The same number of windows are on the mihrab’s left. The east and west walls each have twelve windows. The north wall has thirteen. The mihrab, minbar, and vaaz kürsüsü are made of marble. They are decorated with intricate carvings.
In front of the last congregation place is a rectangular sofa. Two wooden doors on either side lead to the upper galleries. These galleries surround the harim in a U-shape. The galleries receive light from windows in the east and west walls.
The third-floor mahfil has wooden latticework railings. It is lit by fourteen windows. The mosque’s exterior is entirely covered in stone.
To the northeast stands a stone minaret with three balconies. Its polygonal body is adorned with plant motifs. Near the minaret’s base is a fountain. Eight columns support arches. A dome covers the fountain.
The Hz. Ebubekir Camii complex includes many facilities. There is a market, a health center, and a conference hall. Classrooms for public education courses are also present. Five lodgings, each 150 m², are above the health center. These serve the mosque’s staff. The mosque association covers all the needs of the facilities.
The ablution areas and toilets are on the east side. They are underneath the mosque. The mosque has an imam and a muezzin. Friday prayers attract a large congregation. There are separate ablution and prayer areas for women. Summer Quran courses host many students.
Hz. Ebubekir Camii is a vibrant center. It combines worship with community service. It is a testament to faith and architectural skill.