The mosque was designed to resemble the Hira Cave, where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have received his first revelation.
The building uses no traditional ornamentation like tile work or complex calligraphy, focusing instead on the texture of concrete and slate.
A waterfall-like feature is created by the way light pours down the qibla wall, intended to represent a connection between heaven and earth.
The landscaping uses local grasses that are intentionally allowed to grow wild to help the structure blend into the surrounding terrain.
The structure received the World Architecture Festival's Religious Building of the Year award in 2015.
Unlike typical mosques, the men's and women's prayer sections are separated by a screen made of slim, vertical wooden slats rather than being physically divided by walls.
The design intentionally excludes a dome and a mihrab alcove to strip away historical religious architectural conventions.
Sancaklar Mosque is a subterranean architectural landmark located in the Büyükçekmece district of Istanbul. Designed by architect Emre Arolat, the structure is deliberately integrated into the natural topography of a prairie, making it largely invisible from the main road. The building utilizes a series of terraced steps that function as an amphitheater, leading visitors down into the prayer hall. The interior design emphasizes stark minimalism, featuring concrete walls, a plain qibla wall, and a dramatic use of natural light that filters through skylights. The lighting effects change according to the sun's position, creating shifting shadows on the textured walls. The mosque features a thin, vertical concrete minaret that serves as the only external indicator of its presence. It won the 2018 RIBA Award for International Excellence due to its unique integration of landscape and prayer space. The site does not follow traditional Ottoman mosque aesthetics, opting instead for a raw, cave-like interior atmosphere.
The descent ramp looking down toward the entrance, which captures the contrast between the concrete structure and the surrounding natural grasses.
Visit during mid-day to witness the most dramatic light effects on the prayer hall walls.
Spend time walking the exterior landscape paths to understand how the building is hidden from the street level.
Respect the space by remaining quiet, as it is an active house of worship.
Do not attempt to photograph people who are in the middle of their prayers.
Visitors must remove footwear before entering the carpeted prayer area; modest clothing covering shoulders, arms, and legs is required; women should cover their hair with a scarf.
