Emre Arolat’ın eşsiz tasarımıyla hayat bulan Sancaklar Cami, 2011-2013 yılları arasında İstanbul’un sakin ve doğal güzellikleriyle ünlü Büyükçekmece semtinde inşa edilmiştir. 650 kişi kapasiteli bu anıtsal yapı, Türkiye’nin modern mimari örneklerinden biri olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Cami, Sancaklar Ailesi’nin derin manevi duyguları ve Büyükçekmece Gölü’nün huzur veren manzarasıyla bütünleşerek, mimari harikası bir esere dönüşmüştür.
Sancaklar Cami’nin tasarımında geleneksel İslami motiflerin modern bir yorumu görülmektedir. Emre Arolat, bu projede geçmişi gelecekle birleştiren bir yaklaşım benimsemiş ve camiyi çevreyle uyumlu, sakin ve içsel bir mekân olarak şekillendirmiştir. Caminin çevresini saran doğal peyzaj, ibadet alanını kuşatan huzurlu bir atmosfer yaratmaktadır. Büyükçekmece’nin coğrafi ve kültürel özellikleri, tasarımın temelini oluşturmuş ve cami bu özellikleri modern mimariye entegre ederek bölgenin ruhunu yansıtmıştır.
Sancaklar Cami’nin dış cephesi, yalın hatları ve zarif detaylarıyla dikkat çekerken, iç mekân ise sade ve etkileyici bir içsel deneyim sunar. Caminin ana ibadet salonu, yüksek tavanı ve geniş pencereleri sayesinde doğal ışığın bolca içeri girmesine olanak tanır. Bu özellikler, ibadet edenlerin manevi bir bağlamda bir araya geldiği alanı aydınlık ve ferah bir hale getirir.
Emre Arolat’s accomplished Sancaklar Mosque is a remarkable work not only visually but also in terms of concept and architectural design. The fact that it has won more than 5 national and international awards shows how special and recognized his pioneering and innovative approach is.
Even at first glance, the architectural experience is enriched by the unique feature of Sancaklar Mosque, which is the use of the slope of the land to create the feeling of being underground. This design approach harmoniously integrates the mosque with its surroundings while at the same time offering a unique experience to visitors. The process of access to the mosque includes passing by the park and the pillar, providing the visitor with an intrinsic pleasure as they approach the mosque. These details increase the emotional and visual interaction of the visitor as they explore the mosque.
Designed by Emre Arolat based on the idea that Ottoman architecture is outdated with today’s construction techniques and technological developments, the mosque reflects a modern and original approach. We see that religion and the relaxation of the mind are the focal points of his design. By eliminating the details and worldly elements of the mosque, it focuses on the spiritual experience of the visitors.
In the design of Sancaklar Mosque, it is possible to see the principle of flexibility and simplicity, where Islam does not prescribe a clear shape for the worship space. This approach seems to be in line with Emre Arolat’s idea that his design is rooted in the experience of the Prophet Muhammad in the Cave of Hira. The design embedded in the ground creates an effect where the overall structure of the mosque is hidden when viewed from the outside, except for the minaret.
The interior design of Sancaklar Mosque is enriched by the skillful use of orientations, and this design approach has a significant impact on the atmosphere and lighting of the space. The arrangements and orientations within the mosque play a major role in terms of worship and inner experience.
The principle of simplicity is at the core of Islam and is emphasized in the interior design of Sancaklar Mosque. Exaggerated details are avoided, allowing visitors to be in a state of peace and concentration during worship. This simplicity enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the mosque, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a deeper inner experience.
A striking feature of the mosque’s architecture is that separate prayer areas for men and women are located in the same space. While this design approach emphasizes gender equality, it also reflects the unity and solidarity of the community. The fact that different genders worship together in this space shows that the mosque has a contemporary and embracing approach.
When we pay attention to the aesthetic details in the interior of the mosque, the letter vav embroidered on the endless black panel on the left side of the entrance carries a simple and symbolic expression. This detail represents vav, a letter in the Islamic alphabet, and carries a spiritual meaning. This simple and meaningful detail reflects the aesthetic sense of the design and the depth in the language of Islam.
Sancaklar Mosque Awards
2014: Sancaklar Mosque received the Aga Khan Architecture Award in 2014, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of architecture. This prize is awarded every three years to projects that demonstrate excellence in architecture and contribute to the improvement of the built environment. The jury praised the mosque for its integration with the natural landscape, use of natural light and minimalist design approach.
2011: World Architecture Festival, Project of the Future Award The design of the Sancaklar Mosque was recognized as a Project of the Future by the World Architecture Festival. This award was given in line with the future potential of the mosque and its pioneering design approach.
2013: World Architecture Festival, First Prize in the Religious Buildings Category The mosque’s remarkable architecture and interior arrangement was awarded first prize in the Religious Buildings Category by the World Architecture Festival. This award is an indication of how special the mosque is in terms of worship and inner experience.
2014: Chamber of Architects Building Award Sancaklar Mosque was awarded the Building Award by the Chamber of Architects. This award highlights the architectural excellence of the mosque and the fine details of the design.
2015: 2A ASIA, Public Category Award In recognition of its impact and contribution to the public realm, Sancaklar Mosque was honored by 2A ASIA with the Public Category Award.
2016: World Architectural Award, Realized Mosques Award The awarding of the mosque with the World Architectural Award in the category of realized mosque projects is an indication of how respected the design has become in the international arena.
2017: AMP Architectural MasterPrize Award Sancaklar Mosque was awarded by AMP Architectural MasterPrize, reflecting the architectural excellence and aesthetic value of the mosque.
2018: RIBA – Royal Institute of British Architects, International Building of the Year Award Sancaklar Mosque was honored by the prestigious RIBA with the International Building of the Year Award. This award highlights the impact and importance of the mosque on an international level.
2019: American Institute of Architects, Faith and Form Award Awarded the Faith and Form Award by the American Institute of Architects, Sancaklar Mosque reflects the success of combining the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of architecture.
The innovative Sancaklar Mosque, which rewrites the definition of a mosque, is one of the rare works that manages to capture the peace and order that a mosque should have in such a minimal space.
What do you think? What does this space evoke in you? Would you choose this place for your worship? You can also read about Le Corbisuer‘s Notre dame du Haut Ronchamp, which shows its different innovative approaches in the same type of buildings.
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Architect: Emre Arolat
Year: 2011-2013
Location: Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
Photo: EAA