Most famous Mosques of Istanbul
Istanbul is home to many historic and beautiful mosques, some of the most famous ones include:
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) : The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I and is known for its blue tiles and six minarets. The mosque is considered one of the greatest examples of Ottoman architecture and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Istanbul.
Suleymaniye Mosque : The Suleymaniye Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-16th century during the rule of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and is considered one of the greatest examples of Ottoman architecture. The mosque is situated on a hilltop and dominates the Istanbul skyline, offering stunning views of the city.
The mosque complex includes a mosque, a madrasah, a hospital, a market, a bath, and a tomb for the Sultan and his wife. The interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate tile work and calligraphy, and the dome is particularly impressive, standing at 56 meters tall.
Hagia Sophia : The Hagia Sophia is a historic building located in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, it served as the primary church of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly a thousand years. After the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, a role it served for over 500 years.
In 1935, the Turkish government converted the Hagia Sophia into a museum, and it remained one of the country's most popular tourist attractions for decades. In 2020, the Turkish government converted the building back into a mosque, a move that was met with controversy and criticism from various quarters.
Rustem Pasha Mosque : The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-16th century during the rule of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and was commissioned by his Grand Vizier, Rüstem Pasha. The mosque is known for its intricate tile work, with over 20,000 Iznik tiles covering its walls and dome.
The mosque's tile work is considered some of the finest examples of Ottoman tile art, and its decoration includes a variety of floral and geometric patterns. The mosque is also known for its unusual octagonal shape, which sets it apart from other Ottoman mosques that typically have a rectangular plan.
Eyup Sultan Mosque : The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated in the Eyüp district on the European side of Istanbul and is considered one of the most important Islamic sites in the city. The mosque is believed to be the location of the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and is a place of pilgrimage for many Muslims.
The mosque was originally built in the 14th century, but it has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with the most recent being in the 19th century. The mosque is known for its beautiful decoration, including intricate tile work and calligraphy, and its large dome, which dominates the skyline of the Eyüp district.
Fatih Mosque : The Fatih Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the late 15th century by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The mosque was named after the Sultan and is considered one of the largest and most important Ottoman mosques in the city.
The mosque is known for its large dome, towering minarets, and intricate decoration, including intricate tile work and calligraphy. It is also known for its historical significance, as it was built on the site of the Hagia Sophia, the primary church of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and is considered a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's conquest of Constantinople.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque : The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-16th century during the rule of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and was commissioned by his Grand Vizier, Rüstem Pasha. The mosque is known for its intricate tile work, with over 20,000 Iznik tiles covering its walls and dome.
The mosque's tile work is considered some of the finest examples of Ottoman tile art, and its decoration includes a variety of floral and geometric patterns. The mosque is also known for its unusual octagonal shape, which sets it apart from other Ottoman mosques that typically have a rectangular plan.
Nuruosmaniye Mosque : The Nuruosmaniye Mosque is a mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-18th century during the rule of Ottoman Sultan Mahmut I, and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman Baroque architecture. The mosque is known for its ornate decoration, including intricate tile work and calligraphy, as well as its central dome and large chandeliers.
The Nuruosmaniye Mosque is located in the Nuruosmaniye district of Istanbul and is one of the few Ottoman mosques that has not been extensively renovated over the years, making it a unique and well-preserved example of Ottoman architecture. The mosque's location near the Grand Bazaar and other popular tourist attractions makes it an accessible and popular destination for those interested in Islamic architecture and the history of Istanbul.
Yeni Mosque : The Yeni Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the late 16th century during the rule of Ottoman Sultan Murad III and was commissioned by his wife, Nurbanu Sultan. The mosque is located in the Eminönü district of Istanbul, near the Golden Horn and other popular tourist attractions.
The Yeni Mosque is known for its ornate decoration, including intricate tile work, calligraphy, and painted wooden ceilings. The mosque is also known for its central dome, which is surrounded by smaller domes, and its large chandeliers, which are considered some of the finest examples of Ottoman chandelier design.
Şehzade Mosque : The Şehzade Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-16th century during the rule of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and was commissioned by his son, Şehzade Mehmed. The mosque is considered one of the most important examples of Ottoman imperial architecture and is known for its ornate decoration, including intricate tile work and calligraphy.
The Şehzade Mosque is located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, near the Bosphorus Strait, and is one of the few Ottoman mosques that has not been extensively renovated over the years, making it a well-preserved example of Ottoman architecture. The mosque's large central dome, surrounded by smaller domes and intricate decoration, is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship achieved during the Ottoman Empire.