It does not interfere with the Creator and His people. – Architect Emre Arolat
The juxtaposition of the literal earth and above is what I found intriguing. As one walks through the plain green ground, a single rectangular stone minaret with the constant sight of Arabic inscription ‘Allahu Akbar’, signaling that you’ve finally reached the destination; an underground mosque after a 25-minute walk from a certain point. Located in the suburbs of Istanbul, the movement towards the curvilinear concrete stairs embedded into the natural ground provides a beautiful view of Büyükçekmece Lake to the northwest. The minaret, with a small canopy for seating, invites you to look for what’s next.
As you pass down the pathway, the right curved wall expands to reveal an interesting play of stone walls, standing independently like a game of hide and seek. The sound of water surging from the wall as you move through the ground reflects the sky and creates interplay of inside-out under the pavilion next to a small library. I loved the concept of the library as a resting place too with a kitchenette, again independent of the mosque underneath. After moving through the walls and experiencing the voids and solids with materiality of stone, wood, and concrete, one cannot wait any longer but to enter the underground main mosque hall.
The first thing that registered in my brain was the smell, which worked through all of my senses. But not to forget, minimal underground cemented scent was in complete balance, not overpowering the other elements of the space. Putting the shoes on racks aligning with the curvilinear wall, the long oval hall with a rather small partition for women on one side through perforated screens told its own story. With one entire end of semi-opened skylight allowing light to enter the interior, the Mihrab is equally embedded within concrete periphery of mosque. The feeling of tranquility is synonymous with underground temperature zone, light, shadows, and natural acoustics undergoing earthy colors with an overall minimal modern design. The outside levels continuing inside over ceiling and prayer area highlights the idea of digging into the hill.
All in all, with an in-depth concept behind the structure by architect, the peaceful feelingwith truthful nature of space, and the spiritual essence were enough for my friend to say, ‘I can live here forever.’ I just wish it was nearer to my home, though the long walk to and fro on the hottest day was worth it!
