First Place, Turkey
Architect:Emre Arolat
Project:Sancaklar Mosque
Sancaklar Mosque located in Istanbul, aims to address the fundamental issues of designing a mosque by
distancing itself from the current architectural discussions based on form, focusing on the essence of religious
space. The building blends in completely with the topography and the outside world is left behind as one
moves through the landscape, down the hill and in between the walls to enter the mosque. The interior
becomes a dramatic awe inspiring place to pray and be alone with God. The slits and fractures along the
Qiblah wall enhances the directionality of the prayer space allowing daylight to filter into the prayer hall. The
project constantly plays off of the tension between man-made and natural.
