Facing Nuruosmaniye Kapısı, one of several gateways into the Grand Bazaar, this mosque was built in Ottoman-baroque style between 1748 and 1755. Construction was started by order of Mahmut I and finished by his successor Osman III.
Though it was meant to exhibit the sultans' 'modern' taste, the baroque building has very strong echoes of Aya Sofya, specifically the broad, lofty dome, colonnaded mezzanine galleries, windows topped with Roman arches and the broad band of calligraphy around the interior. Despite its prominent position on the busy pedestrian route from Cağaloğlu Meydanı and Nuruosmaniye Caddesi to the bazaar, it is surprisingly peaceful and contemplative inside.
