Nizam Mosque

The Nizam Mosque in Büyükada adopts a design approach shaped by local needs and site conditions.

Considering the small parcel area and the functional deficiencies of the old mosque, the mosque mass has been designed in a form that narrows towards the qibla to increase the prayer capacity.

This mass layout optimizes space usage while preserving the visibility of the mihrab, and the fragmented walls and vertical joinery on the mosque’s façade add movement to the space through light and shadow play.

Inside, the daylight filtering through the mihrab wall spreads into the prayer hall, changing the atmosphere according to different times of the day. The wooden paneled ceiling, along with the roof windows, supports natural ventilation.

In the structure without a dome, the minaret stands out as the most prominent vertical element, while the pulpit, designed like a metal cantilevered staircase, and the mihrab, treated as a simple niche, reflect the mosque’s minimalist and contemporary architectural approach.

Geometric patterned metal sunshades on the façade control light transitions and add depth to the façade, while Kufic inscriptions and hexagonal ceramics are integrated into the design as details that support the spatial integrity.