By: Hassan Zubair
Hamidiye Camii, also known as the Hamidiye Mosque is a historic mosque located in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built during the late Ottoman period, between 1906 and 1907, during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II. The mosque was designed by the French architect Michelangelo Anastassiades, and its construction was funded by the Sultan himself. The mosque’s architectural style is a blend of Ottoman and European elements, with a red and white striped facade, a large central dome, and two minarets. The interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate tilework, stained glass windows, and calligraphic inscriptions.
While the architectural design of the Hamidiye Camii mosque is certainly impressive and beautiful, it is not typically described as resembling heaven. However, it is true that Islamic architecture often incorporates elements that are intended to evoke a sense of spirituality and transcendence, such as the use of intricate geometric patterns, the repetition of prayers and verses from the Quran in calligraphy, and the use of light and space to create a sense of awe and wonder.
In this sense, it is possible that the design of the Hamidiye Cami Mosque, like many other mosques and Islamic buildings, is intended to create a sense of connection to the divine and to inspire a feeling of peace and tranquility in those who visit it. However, any interpretation of the mosque’s design as specifically resembling heaven would be a matter of personal opinion and interpretation. The artistic motifs inside the mosque were painted by Azerbaijani Architect. The inner beauty of the mosque has been attracting people for prayers five times a day ever since it reopened last year. One of my fellow Muslim brothers mentioned that it was like praying in the gardens of Jannah (heaven).
While speaking to our correspondent present in Istanbul, the Imam of the Mosque, Sefa Ekinci said that when he was assigned to the mosque as the Imam he asked the people involved in the project as to what inspired them to give the mosque such vibrant and astonishing design. He told us that they were inspired by the Ayah 22 of Surah Baqaara in the Holy Quran which reads as follows:“
(Allah) Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).”
The Imam further elaborated, “We prepared the groundwork of the masjid, then we started the painting and let the water fall from the sky, we also placed a waterfall above the mihrab prayer niche, and trees were painted in between each window pane on the walls. We genuinely tried to capture the spirit of the ayah into the design of the masjid’s interior.” (reference link: https://ilmfeed.com/youve-probably-never-seen-masjid-like-this/)
In addition to serving as a place of worship, the Hamidiye Cami Mosque has also played a significant role in Turkish history. During the final days of the Ottoman Empire, it was the site of several important political events, including the declaration of the second constitutional Era in 1908 and the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
Today the mosque continues to be an important landmark and tourist destination in Istanbul, attracting visitors from all over the World who come to admire its beautiful architecture and rich history.