The mosque has twin minarets and is distinguished by the huge stone arches on its facades which are cut with large windows, allowing light to flood the interior.

In the year 1853, Queen Mother Bezmialem Valide Sultan commissioned the construction of the mosque to showcase Ottoman architecture and also serve as a sacred place of worship.

The site for the construction was strategic especially to the royal family as the Sultan could perform ‘Salat al-Jumuah’ which is Friday noon prayers when many Muslims gather in large congregations and pray together.

The building was designed by Garabet Balyan and constructed in a unique combination of baroque, rococo and empire styles, with the goal of producing the best form of architecture.

The exterior walls have many transparent glass windows that allow for the penetration of sunlight and ventilation due to the huge size of the building and its intended large capacity.

At the center of the calligraphy are the two most inspiring Islamic themes “Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala” and “Mohammad, sallallahu alaihi wasallam” in yellow text and green background.