Mosques of Istanbul

We searched for the most beautiful and historical mosques in Istanbul. Which has been the capital city for hundreds of years.

This is the most important mosques you should see in Istanbul;

• Sultanahmet Camisi; Sultan Ahmed Mosque, which is known as the Blue Mosque by everyone because its bluish interior decoration blue tiles.  It is one of the most important mosques in Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome. The mosque built between 1609-1616. Its architect Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa is the student of the greatest architect Sinan.
• Ayasofya Camisi; It is a former Byzantine church and former Ottoman mosque. Now, one of the most important museums of Istanbul considered as a World Heritage by UNESCO. It is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture.
• Süleymaniye Camisi; Süleymaniye Mosque is built on one of the highest hills of Istanbul between 1551-1557. This is one of the

  

  most important works of Mimar Sinan. This work transformed into magnificence like other works of Mimar Sinan. It described by Mimar Sinan as “my journeyman”. This is a complex, consisting of the Süleymaniye Mosque, madrasahs, library, hospital, medical school, Turkish bath, imaret, treasury and shops.

• Eyüp Sultan Camisi; Eyup Sultan Mosque is a very special and holy mosque for the Islamic world. The Eyüp Sultan is one of the most holy and important mosques in all of Turkey. It is so rever because it located on the site of the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Eyüp Ensari). He is a friend and standard bearer for the Prophet Muhammed. He died during the first Arab siege of Constantinople (674-678).
• Fatih Camisi; The Fatih Mosque Complex (Fatih Camii ve Külliyesi) in Istanbul has a lovely interior like many Turkish mosques, but the primary importance of this mosque is its illustrious permanent resident, Mehmet the Conqueror (Fatih Sultan Mehmet).
• Nuruosmaniye Camisi; Nuruosmaniye Mosque started by Sultan Mahmud I in 1748. And completed by Sultan Osman III in 1755. It’s a typical Baroque and Rococo style mosque which is a very popular architecture of 1700’s within the Ottoman Empire. The mosque built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul by a Greek minority architect named Simeon and Mustafa Aga.
• Ortaköy Mecidiye Camisi; Built on the 18th century mosque. It is located just before the Bosphorus Bridge. This mosque has to have one of the most picturesque settings of all of the Istanbul mosques. Because, Ortaköy Mosque photos, with the bridge the background are often used to demonstrate that particular Istanbul.
• Rüstem Pasa Camisi; Rüstem Pasha Mosque is one of the works of the great Turkish architect Sinan. This mosque built by Grand Vizier Rüstempasha (1560). It is located in Nalburlar Bazaar, near the Eminönü New Mosque and the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul.
• Bayezid Camisi; Built from 1500 to 1505 under Sultan Beyazid II, Beyazid Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Istanbul. It is located next to Istanbul University and the Grand Bazaar in the center of a large 16th-century complex that includes schools and other buildings.
• Sehzadebasi Camisi; Süleyman the Magnificent built this square-shaped mosque between 1543 and 1548 as a memorial to his son Mehmet. Who died of smallpox in 1543 at the age of 22. It is the first important mosque to be designed by Mimar Sinan. And has a lovely garden setting, two double-balconied minarets and attractive exterior decoration.
• Yavuz Selim Camisi; Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque, the sultan to whom this mosque dedicated (Süleyman the Magnificent’s father). He did, however, lay the groundwork for his son’s imperial success and, to this day, Istanbul‘s love his mosque.
• Iskender Pasa Camisi; It is on Fatih Vatan Avenue. II. One of the viziers of Bayezid is İskender Pasha. He is the governor of Rumeli Beylerbeyi, twice vizier, and three times as governor of Bosnia.

  

• Dolmabahce Bezmialem Valide Sultan Camisi; Located on the shore of Bosphorus in Dolmabahce. This Mosque has to have one of the most unique architecture among all of the Ottoman mosques in Istanbul. The mosque is commissioned by Bezmialem Valide Sultan in 1852, who is the mother of Ottoman sultan Abdülmecid I. Bezmialem Valide Sultan passed away in 1853 and the mosque  finished in 1855 with Abdülmecid I’s financial aid.
• Ishak pasa Camisi;  Ishakpasha Mosque, this late 15th-century mosque built by the grand vizier of the same name and renovated in 1951. At one end of Akbiyik Street is the small Ishak Pasha Mosque that dates back to 1482. It is one of the oldest mosques in the Istanbul. It built for Ishak Pasha who is the Grand Vizier to Mehmed II and Beyazid II.
• Atik Ali Pasa Camisi; Atik Ali Pasha Mosque is an old Ottoman mosque located in the Cemberlitas. Its construction started under the orders of the future Grand Vizier Hadım Atik Ali Pasha in 1496. And it completed in 1497, during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II. The mosque is located near the entrance to the Grand Bazaar, the Column of Constantine, and the historical Nuruosmaniye Mosque.
• Corlulu Ali Pasa Camisi; Corlulu Ali Pasha Mosque is a historic location in the university neighborhood of Beyazit. And this is popular with students who still come to hang out here from the nearby universities. This is 300-year-old Medrese. This is a religious school and dervish lodge during the Ottoman times, before becoming a bustling bazaar area in the mid-20th century.
• Nusretiye Camisi; Located on the shore of Bosphorus in Tophane, the Nusretiye Camii (in Turkish) -also called Tophane Mosque- has to have one of the most ornamented and decorated among all of the Istanbul mosques. It built in 1826. the Nusretiye Mosque is a very good example of the combination of Baroque and Empire architectural styles.
• Murat Pasa Camisi; This uniquely striped mosque sits between Yusufpasa and Aksaray stations and built just 20 years after the fall of Constantinople in 1473. The interior of the mosque appears to be longer than the exterior and over the entrance is a superb calligraphy inscription made by Ali Sofi whose hand work can also be seen on the gateway in to Topkapi Palace.
• Valide Sultan Camisi; Valide Sultan Mosque, located on the old Roman road that runs West from the Hagia Sophia and past

  

  the Grand Bazaar, this mosque is between the modern metro stations of Aksaray and Vezneciler. Seen from the main road, the building’s Turkish Rococo marble work is an impressive and unexpected sight. Built in the late 19th century. This mosque has an eclectic mixture of styles and influences, from Baroque to North African to Gothic and Ottoman.

• Sümbül Efendi Camisi; Koca Mustafa Pasha Mosque is popularly known as Sümbül Efendi Mosque or Sümbül Tomb. Its official name is Pîr Yusuf Sümbül Sinan itsitânesi. It is a religious building from the Eastern Roman period in the Koca Mustafa Pasha district of Istanbul. The monastery works from the apostle named Hagios Andreas and Krisei, believed to impose Christianity on the Byzantine people.
• Ramazan Efendi Camisi; The mosque, built by Mimar Sinan in 1585, has a single minaret and hipped roof. Hüsrev Celebi Mosque is also known as Bezirganbasi Mosque. The reason why they called Ramazan Efendi because that the name of the tekke sheikh here is Ramazan Efendi. Ramazan Efendi lies on the left of the mosque entrance door in his tomb adjacent to the building.
• Zeynep Sultan Camisi; Zeynep Sultan Mosque is built in 1769. By architect Mehmet Tahir Aga for Ahmed III’s daughter Zeynep Asime Sultan. It evokes Byzantine churches because of its architectural style and materials that were used in its construction.The mosque is on Alemdar Street in Istanbul, across the street from Gülhane Park, not far from the Hagia Sophia, and viewable from the tram that circulates the city.
• Kalenderhane Camisi; This is a building from the Eastern Roman period in the Vefa district of Istanbul. It is in the form of the Eastern Orthodox Church. This church converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in the 18th century. Most likely the church dedicated to Theotokos Kyriotissa in its original state.
• Sokollu Mehmed Pasa Camisi; Sokullu Mehmed Pasha Mosque designed by imperial architect Sinan. The mosque completed around 1571. It built on a steep slope. And feature an interesting two-story courtyard in front of the mosque. The bottom level of the courtyard consisted of shops whose rents would support the upkeep of the mosque. The complex included a madrasahs and accommodations for the students.
• Sinan Pasa Camisi; Sinan Pasha Mosque, built by famous architect Mimar Sinan in 1555. The Sinan Pasha Mosque is an Ottoman mosque located in Besiktas. Sinan Pasha Mosque has another name, this is the Besiktas Mosque.

  

• Mihrimah Sultan Camisi; There are two mosques same name for Mihrimah Sultan. One of the mosques is located at Edirnekapi, on the European side. And the other one at Üsküdar district on the Asian shores.
• Semsi Pasa Camisi; The Semsi Pasha Mosque, located right on the shore of the Üsküdar coast. It built in 1580 by Semsi Ahmet Pasha to Mimar Sinan. The dome of the square planned mosque, made of cut stone, sits on an eight-faced pulley. Its courtyard has two doors, one opening to the sea side and the other to the park direction. The minaret of the mosque placed on the main structure and in the corner. The Other Name is Asparagus Mosque.
• Zeyrek Camisi; Zeyrek Mosque is located in the Unkapani Zeyrek district of Istanbul. It is a religious building built in the Byzantine period. Pantokrator Monastery Church is the original name.It was used as a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul. It is the largest old church in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia. Only a part of it is used as a mosque.
• Valide-i Atik Camisi; II in Üsküdar district. Selim’s wife, III. Murat’s mother Afife Nur-Bânû is a mosque and complex built by Mimar Sinan by Valide Sultan. Its construction date is 1583.
• Vaniköy Camisi; Vaniköy Mosque, located right on the shores of the Bosphorus, It founded by Vani Mehmet Efendi. This mosque built in the 17th century on the land given by Mehmed.
• Yeni Valide Camisi; New Valide Mosque, also known as Valide-i Cedid Mosque. It is located on Uncular Avenue and Hakimiyet-i Milliye Avenue in Üsküdar district. Mustafa and III. This mosque built by Ahmet’s mother Emetullah Râbi by Gülnûs Sultan. It built between 1708-1711 by Mehmed Aga from Kayseri.
• Beylerbeyi Camisi; The Beylerbeyi Mosque 18th century building also known as the Hamidi Evvel Mosque. It is a selatin mosque in the Beylerbeyi district. This building is one of the most beautiful mansion mosques in Istanbul. This mosque built by Sultan Abdulhamid I in the memory of his mother Rabia Sermi Sultan. And opened for worship on August 15, 1778. The place where the Cardigan-i Serif cell office of the former Beylerbeyi (Istavroz) Palace is located. The mosque has a baroque style architecture.
• Rum Mehmed Paşa Camisi; Rum Mehmet Pasha Mosque or Rumi Mehmet Pasha Mosque is a historical place of worship from the Ottoman period. Located in the district of Üsküdar. This mosque built by the Greek-born Ottoman vizier, Rum Mehmed Pasha. This is the first mosque on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire. There are a total of four rooms on both sides. The rooms on the right are transitive. The mosque, the construction of which started in 1469. It completed in 1471 after 2 years of construction period and opened to worship. The mosque carries architecturally Byzantine and Ottoman influences together.
• Hırka-i Şerif Camisi;  It is built by Sultan Sultan Abdulmecid to preserve and visit the cardigan (Hirka-i Sharif) that Muhammad gave to Veysel Karani. This mosque has a very important place in the religious folklore of Istanbul. Here is the place where the Cardigan-i Sharif is kept. This mosque built in 1851.
• Cinili Camii; Tiled Mosque, Orta Valide Mosque or Mahpeyker Kösem Valide Sultan Mosque is a historical mosque from the Ottoman Period. Located in the Murat Reis District of Üsküdar district. This mosque built by Mahpeyker Kösem Sultan. The wife of Ahmet I. This mosque, whose began in 1638, and opened to worship in 1640 after a 2-year construction period.
• Arap Camii; Arap Mosque The mosque located in the Galata district. The sanctuary, formerly known as Saint Paolo Church / Saint Domenico Church, converted into a mosque in 1453. This is the only Gothic church left before conquest in Istanbul.

All About Istanbul

Istanbul is the only city in the world that connects the two continents. It has been the capital of the world’s largest empires. Different people, different states have left a mark in this city. In this big city, there are many places to visit and museums.
Especially the historical treasures left by the Ottoman Empire and the Byzantine Empire are worth seeing. It has very important historical works that have survived until today. All of historical heritages left by both Ottoman and Byzantine for today. Visitors from all over the world come to see these historical artifacts.

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities to see. Because it is a city that deserves it with its natural beauty and historical heritage. Among the most important places, we can count popular places such as Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, Chora Church. We have prepared a list for you for all these places.

The best places to visit in Istanbul;

Bosphorus; The most beautiful place in Istanbul. You will be amazing by its enchanting natural beauty. Attending a boat trip between Asia and Europe is a must-do activity.

Topkapi Palace; A magnificent palace where the Ottoman sultans lived. It will take you back in history. Be sure to see it.

Hagia Sophia (Saint Sophia); A great work that has remained from Byzantine until today. It has the largest dome in its period. It served as a church, a cathedral and a mosque. Today it continues to serve as a museum.

Basilica Cistern; It is a water tank to meet water Istanbul needs. It will be fun to walk around the pillars.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque); Blue Mosque is built for the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet II. Blue mosque has with six minarets. It is called blue because it is made of blue tiles inside the mosque.

Grand Bazaar; It is the oldest and largest covered market in the world. There are thousands of small shops that do all kinds of trade inside. It has set an example for making today’s shopping malls.

Spice Bazaar; It is called Spice Bazaar because it is often sold as a spice. It is the second largest covered market.

Dolmabahce Palace; It is a more modern palace built by the Ottoman sultans in the last period, on the Bosphorus coast. It is larger than the Topkapi Palace.

Maiden’s Tower; It was built on Byzantine times on small islets. Ships passing through the Bosphorus are lighthouses that prevent them from hitting the rocks.

Galata Tower; One of the tallest and oldest towers in Istanbul. It was built in the 14th century by the Genoese colony as part of the defensive wall surrounding its areas in Galata.

Rumeli Fortress; It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It is on the European side. In order to prepare for the conquest of Istanbul, it was made to cut the aid to the Byzantine and to control the throat.

Beylerbeyi Palace; It was built by the Ottoman sultans as a summer palace. It is on the coast of the Bosphorus on the Asian continent.

Chora Church; It is a church built in Byzantine time. There are many beautiful mosaics visuals inside. Jesus and Mary are the main figures.

Hippodrome; The Byzantine hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square is nothing to date. It is known as hippodrome square. In the square there is Obelisk, serpentine Column, German fountain, Ibrahim pasha palace.

Süleymaniye Mosque; It was built on behalf of Magnificent Sultan Süleyman, and by the world famous architect Sinan. It is located in a large complex next to the mosque.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque; It is the Mosque and the Tomb where the water flowing from its fountain is sacred and the courtyard is decorated with centuries-old plane trees. It is one of the greatest historical heritages that the Ottoman left to Istanbul.

Istanbul Archeology Museum; The museum is one of the largest museums on the world, with more than a million works of various cultures. Archeological Museum, the oldest museum building in Turkey.

Camlıca Hill; It is the highest hill of Istanbul on the Asian side. From here, you can watch the entire Bosphorus and Istanbul. It has a beautiful view.

Pierre Loti Hill; It is the highest hill on the Golden Horn side. From here you can watch all the estuary shores.

Aya Irini Church; It is in the garden of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. It is at the back side of Hagia Sophia. Aya Irini is the largest Byzantine church in Istanbul, that has not been turned into a mosque.

Little Hagia Sophia Mosque; The Little Hagia Sophia mosque was built as a church in the Byzantine period and was converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul.

Taksim and Istiklal Street; Taksim is the most popular meeting place in Istanbul. Istiklal street is the most lively and always crowded street of Istanbul.

Princes’ Islands; This islands are 1 hour away from Istanbul by ferry boat, in the sea of ​​Marmara. It is crowded on weekends and summer. Very quietest place in Istanbul without engine noise.

You can see all these places when you come to Istanbul. One must not forget the unique Turkish cuisine. Traditional Turkish dishes and many flavors of the world cuisine await you together. There are many reasons to come to Istanbul. We will be happy to see you in Istanbul.