This paper aims to clarify various issues concerning mosque design from the viewpoints of the architects, researchers, clients, and the Presidency of Religious Affairs (PRA) in the republic period in Turkey. Many mosques imitating Ottoman architecture have been built using contemporary methods since around the 1950s throughout the country. First, we review critical arguments made by architects and researchers with regard to these mosques. Second, we discuss the notions of the clients and the activities of the PRA in order to demonstrate the difference from the views of architects and researchers. We conclude that in order to encourage the construction of new mosques with modern designs, which most Turkish architects and researchers are eager to, it is vital that the architects spread awareness regarding the issue among the public in cooperation with the PRA.
