PENDIK DOLAYOBA MOSQUE

The mosque is located in Pendik district, Dolayoba Neighborhood, on Sevecen Street (Parcel 5, Block 6868). Due to its proximity and location within the current neighborhood fabric, alongside Namık Kemal Primary School and Sultan Abdulhamit Han Secondary School, it holds potential as a focal point.

On the existing worship area, situated at the center of the neighborhood headman’s office, primary school, secondary school, family health center, and commercial units, a design has been planned to create a structure that makes gathering more accessible to the public. This design creates a public space associated with the schools and meets the functions of a worship area, library, multipurpose hall, and residential quarters.

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Neighborhood, Mosque, and Arcade

The word "mosque" (Cami) derives from the root "Cem," meaning "to gather" or "to bring together." These places of worship, which bring people together and draw them closer to each other and the Creator, reinforce the sense of community emphasized by Islam when they serve as integral parts of the urban fabric beyond designated prayer times. In this context, one of the most valuable aspects of the mosque's design is its creation of a communal space within the neighborhood, promising a welcoming refuge for residents, children, women, the elderly, cats, and birds. The courtyard created between the mosque and residential blocks is surrounded by an arcade, facilitating a serene transition from the street to the courtyard and allowing the mosque's atmosphere to be felt from the street. In the existing neighborhood fabric, brown brick has been selected as the exterior material of the building to ensure that the unique spirit of the mosque is perceivable. This choice enhances the focal spirit of the neighborhood.

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Courtyard

The courtyard culture that has persisted in mosque architectural schemes to date has been enhanced with specific functions in the design of the new mosque, transforming it into a vibrant space. The inclusion of the fountain (Şadırvan) under the mosque's canopy, the planned central focus on a Plane Tree (Çınar Ağacı), the Funeral Ceremony Area, city furniture placed in shaded areas formed by preserving existing trees, a Tea House with its doors opening to the courtyard and tables extending outside, and the restroom entrances situated farther from the mosque, all contribute to enriching the courtyard experience.

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Mosque

The Last Congregation Area is elevated with steps leading up from both the courtyard and the street, set apart from the daily activities of the courtyard. Upon entering through the wooden doors adorned with brass decorations, visitors are greeted by natural stone walls embellished with Kufi calligraphy. Women can ascend to the Women's Gallery via the staircase in the mosque's entrance hall. The Main Prayer Hall, featuring the Mihrab, Minbar, and Preacher's Pulpit, is located directly opposite the entrance door.

The Mihrab wall is left transparent due to a second layer created with perforated brickwork behind it, allowing filtered light to enter and imbue the prayer area with a spiritual atmosphere.

The large central domes, which hold significant importance in mosque architectural design, have been reinterpreted in this design with the addition of skylights and an increased number of domes.

The Women's Gallery is designed in a U-shape, bringing it closer to the Mihrab wall.

In the basement of the mosque, facing the park, a Multipurpose Hall has been designed. This space, intended for functions such as a condolence house, Quran courses, and a prayer area, can also be accessed from an internal staircase within the mosque.

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Park, Library, and Schools

The connection between the mosque and the schools is established through public park and landscape elements. The entrances to the Multipurpose Hall are designed to be accessible from this side, facilitating circulation for different uses. The Library, located in the basement of the mosque, is intended primarily for use by students. In this way, a functional and design-based relationship is created between the school, park, and mosque.

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Residence

The residences for the imam and the muezzin are designed as a separate unit with an entrance from the north facade. To maintain privacy, the facade facing the mosque is left blank, while the relationship with the street-facing facade is maintained. The living areas are complemented with terraces and balconies.