Marmara University Faculty of Theology Mosque
I love Islamic architecture and have been in more mosques than I can count. However after travelling in Istanbul and Turkey for a month with my Dad, in 2007, I was mosqued out. Dad was fascinated by them and big or small, famous or completely unknown, he wanted to see inside every one we passed. If you’ve spent any time in Turkey, you’ll know that’s a lot.
Nonetheless, the attraction has stayed with me and I continued to visit mosques in Turkey. My most recent expedition took me up close and inside a mosque I’d passed numerous times on the number two bus, but never stopped to visit. Marmara Üniversitesi Fakültesi Ilhayat Camii was built for the Marmara University Faculty of Theology as a mosque and culture centre by Muharrem Hilmi Şenalp of Hassa Architecture in Istanbul. It’s in Altunizade on the Asian side of the city, just next to Capitol shopping centre. Construction began in 2014 and it was completed in 2016.
The theory behing the design of the Marmara University Faculty of Theology Mosque
The blindingly white Marmara University Faculty of Theology Mosque and men’s şadırvan (ablutions fountain) you see at street level are just part of a whole complex designed to reflect the Islamic concept that civilisation is only as strong as its parts. In traditional Ottoman mosque designs, architecture is reduced to its micro and macro components, with each part making up the whole and the whole being found in each part. In the Marmara University Faculty of Theology Mosque abstract stylisations reinterpret classical Ottoman style to create a modern, almost futuristic architectural language.
This idea is best understood from inside. The walls are composed of lattice work concrete which allow the play of light, producing a bright airy space that seems to exist in a completely separate world to that outside. Above, a central dome dominates the Marmara University Faculty of Theology Mosque. The architect based the design on the the geometrical concept of fractals, and you can find out more about this and how to visit it using public transport on page 95 of my alternative guide book Istanbul 50 Unsung Places.
Here are some other helpful tips for planning your trip to Turkey
Before you even buy your plane ticket, check whether you need an EVISA. Here’s my post on everything to know before you take off, including how to buy one from the government website so you don’t pay extra.
Even if I never claim on it, I always take out TRAVEL INSURANCE. I recommend Visitors Coverage.
eSIM are the way to stay connected wherever you travel. I recommend Truely, an eSIM provider working with local telcos. You can buy it before or after you arrive in Turkey, to use for 1 to as many days as you need. Truly eSIM are straightforward to install and activate but if you have any problems their responsive Whatsapp customer service is available 24/7.
Use my code: insideoutinistanbul and get 5% off when you order through the Truely website.
ACCOMMODATION: When I want to find a place to stay I use Booking.com.
For FLIGHTS I like to use Kiwi.com. Once you land the next decision you’ll have to make is how to get to your hotel. I’m a big advocate of public transport, but know it’s not suitable for everyone all the time. When I need to be picked up from or get to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, I use one of these GetYourGuide AIRPORT TRANSFERS.
If you’re travelling alone, check out this post on useful solo travel tips Turkey for women (and men).
Now that’s all the practical stuff out of the way, here’s the fun stuff.
CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Let me guide you around Kadikoy with my audio walking tour Stepping back through Chalcedon or venture further afield with Istanbul 50 Unsung Places, my bespoke guidebook. I know you’ll love visiting the lesser-known sites I’ve included. It’s based on using public transport as much as possible so you won’t be adding too much to your carbon footprint. Then read about what you’ve seen and experienced in my three essay collections and memoir about moving to Istanbul permanently.
Browse the GetYourGuide website or Viator to find even more ways to experience Istanbul and Turkey with food tours, visits to the old city, evening Bosphorus cruises and more!
However you travel, stay safe and have fun! Iyi yolculuklar.
