Kandilli Camii

Overlooking the Bosphorus, Kandilli Camii stands as a testament to time and resilience. Kandilli Camii has witnessed the ebb and flow of Istanbul’s history. The original Kandilli Camii was built in 1632. It was commissioned during the reign of Sultan Murad IV. The current structure we see today, however, dates back to 1749. Sultan Mahmud I ordered its reconstruction. Kandilli Camii suffered damage in a fire in 1931. It was faithfully rebuilt, retaining its original charm. The mosque is constructed of stone, with a classic rectangular layout. The roof is a charming composition of timber and tiles. A single minaret reaches towards the sky, adorned with a single şerefe (balcony). In the tranquil courtyard, a refreshing fountain, built in 1969, offers a place for quiet contemplation. The mosque is nestled near the Kandilli pier, along Kandilli Caddesi in Üsküdar. The area of Kandilli itself has a rich history, tied to the Ottoman dynasty. One story suggests the name “Kandilli” originated from a grand celebration held by Sultan Murad IV. Upon returning from a victorious campaign, he reportedly held a magnificent seven-night kandil (oil lamp) illumination in the area. Sultan Mahmud I later rebuilt a palace in Kandilli and established a charitable complex. This complex included a mosque, a çarşı (market), a dükkan (shop), a hamam (bathhouse), and a çeşme (fountain). He also divided and distributed some sections of the palace grounds to the public, encouraging further development of the area. Kandilli Camii is relatively small compared to other mosques along the Bosphorus. Its location, however, made it vulnerable to fires and explosions that plagued the area in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The wooden structure of the original mosque was completely destroyed in a gas explosion in 1916. It wasn’t until 1931 that the mosque was rebuilt. The reconstructed Kandilli Camii is a masonry building with a wooden frame. Enter through the main entrance on the sea side to reach the son cemaat yeri (latecomers’ area). While some modern additions have been made to the mosque, they detract from its historical character.