Speaking of imperial legacies, have you noticed the unique blend of architectural styles before us? This is the Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque. It is also known as the Y\u0131ld\u0131z Mosque. Sultan Abd\u00fclhamid II commissioned its construction. It was erected between 1884 and 1886.
The Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque stands as the last imperial mosque of the Ottoman Empire. Remember, imperial mosques were special. Only sultans could order them. They had to use their personal funds. Abd\u00fclhamid II holds the distinction of being the last sultan to commission such a mosque.
Interestingly, the final two sultans of the Ottoman Empire did not follow suit. They chose not to commission any mosques. This makes the Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque a poignant reminder of a bygone era.
Abd\u00fclhamid II had a deep connection to the Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque. He lived within the confines of Y\u0131ld\u0131z Palace for much of his reign. The mosque was one of his few regular excursions. Every Friday, he would travel to the Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque for prayers.
Imagine the scene. These visits were not simple trips to the mosque. They were grand state ceremonies. Although the mosque was just across from the palace, the sultan always used his horse carriage. Citizens, visitors, and even foreigners gathered outside the palace. They wanted to catch a glimpse of the sultan and witness the ceremony.
The popularity of this event led to a unique addition to the palace. The Set Pavilion was built with a road view. It allowed official visitors to watch the ceremonies in comfort.
The Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque itself is quite impressive. It sits on a 1,500 square meter base. The land it occupies spans 10,000 square meters. A fence surrounds the area. The Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque has three entrances. The main entrance faces north. It is located on the main road in front of the palace.
Sarkis Balyan designed the mosque. Dikran, another craftsman, assisted him. Abd\u00fclhamid II had moved to Y\u0131ld\u0131z Palace nine years prior.
The Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque features a blend of Neo-Gothic and Ottoman styles. Its plan is rectangular. A single minaret rises on the right side. It has one balcony. Unlike many mosques, the Hamidiye Mosque lacks a courtyard.
Inside, sixteen windows support the small dome. The dome rests on four columns. These columns are made of steel covered in wood. This departs from tradition. Imperial mosques usually had granite columns. Thirty-six windows allow daylight to flood the Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque.
Look up. Notice the large Bohemian crystal chandelier. Prince Bismarck of the German Empire gifted it.
The h\u00fcnkar mahfili or imperial lodge sits on the left side. The \u015fehzadeler mahfili or lodge for the sons of sultans is on the right. The imperial lodge boasts richer decoration. Imperial mosques always include a h\u00fcnkar mahfili. This private chamber was reserved for the sultans. A gilded grill screened it off. Abd\u00fclhamid II always prayed in his private h\u00fcnkar mahfili on Fridays and religious holidays.
Don’t miss the Hamidiye Clock Tower. It stands on the southwest corner of the Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque. Also, find the Hamidiye Fountain. It features Abd\u00fclhamid II’s signature. Both are located in the same garden. As you leave, take one last look at the Y\u0131ld\u0131z Hamidiye Mosque. Consider its history and the man who made it his personal sanctuary.