Ortakoy Mosque is located in the district of the same name on the European shore of the Bosphorus, by Ortakoy Square and next to the Bosphorus Bridge. Thanks to its location almost at the water's edge, it is clearly visible from the waterfront and from sightseeing boats. For many travelers, it is one of the most recognizable mosques in Istanbul along the Bosphorus.

The building was constructed in the mid-19th century by order of Sultan Abdul-Mecid I. The project is usually associated with Nigo gos Balyan, a representative of the famous family of Ottoman court architects, whose members also took part in the construction of Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Dolmabahce Mosque. Ortakoy Mosque is also known as the "Great Mecidiye Mosque" and belongs to the monuments of the late Ottoman period.

The architecture combines the traditional layout of an imperial mosque with features of Ottoman Baroque. The facade of the building is made of light-colored stone and decorated with ornamental elements. On both sides stand two slender minarets, each with one balcony (serefe). The layout includes a prayer hall and separate rooms for the sultan, known as the hunkar apartments. While the decorative finish of the facades draws attention from the outside, inside there is a high, bright hall with large windows, a marble mihrab, and a minbar.

For tourists, the mosque is interesting not only as a religious monument, but also as a convenient point for exploring the Ortakoy district. From the square in front of it, there are views of the Bosphorus, the bridge, and passing vessels, so people come here both for the architecture and the urban panorama. When visiting, it is worth keeping in mind that this is an active mosque, so access for sightseeing may be limited during prayer times.