Okmeydanı Mosque-Church-Synagogue

Darülaceze Mosque

Located in the center of the main campus, near the entrance.

Year of construction: 1895

Architectural style: 19th-century Ottoman civil architecture + European-influenced planning

Source: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuran Yıldırım, History of the Istanbul Darülaceze Institution

The Darülaceze Mosque, unlike classical Ottoman mosques, is a two-story, unpretentious but elegant structure situated within a courtyard.

• The mosque plan is a symmetrical rectangular structure.
• A pitched roof is preferred instead of a dome.
• The interior has a wooden ceiling, and its decorations feature penwork ornamentation and star motifs.
• The mihrab is simple;
The pulpit is designed with classic Ottoman stonework. The last prayer area is spacious, and the women's section is located on the second floor. Lighting is based on natural light through windows. The building is one of the rare examples in 19th-century Istanbul public buildings where classical understanding is blended with Westernization influences.

St. George Church

Located between apartments 7 and 8, in the northeast corner

Built to serve the Greek Orthodox faith.

Name: Hagios Georgios Church

Source: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuran Yıldırım, History of the Istanbul Darülaceze Institution

• It is a simple structure with a rectangular plan, a single nave, and a wooden roof.
• The interior features a triple apse structure, a wooden iconostasis (icon bay), and wall decorations with religious figures.
• The walls contain icons depicting saints such as Saint Nicholas, Saint John, and Saint Luke.
• The entrance section with stairs reflects the traditional approach of Greek Orthodox churches.
• There is a small wooden balcony (gallery) on the upper floor.

Although the church is not currently open for worship, it is architecturally preserved and presented to visitors as a symbolic structure representing the institution's multi-faith nature.

The building is a rare example of a blend of classical understanding with Westernization influences seen in 19th-century public buildings in Istanbul. These are examples.

Midrash Hospice

Located directly opposite the church, at the northern end

Year of construction: After 1895

Name: Midrash Darülaceze

Source: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuran Yıldırım, History of the Istanbul Darülaceze Institution

The synagogue, built for Jewish residents to perform their worship, is one of the rare Jewish places of worship built in a social service institution during the Ottoman period.

• The building has the same architectural composition as the church and mosque, with equal size and a simple exterior.
• The Aron HaKodesh (Torah cabinet) in the interior emphasizes the religious function of the building.
• It is reported that the Hebrew word “Shalom” is written above the entrance of the synagogue.
• The panels used during prayer and the wooden seating groups have been preserved.
• The use of lighting was planned to create a dimmer and mystical atmosphere.
• Lighting is based on natural light through the windows.

Midrash Darülaceze is one of the three religions within a single complex in Istanbul.

It is considered one of the rare architectural examples where a temple is located.