The 5 best mosques to visit in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city steeped in history and culture, and its Islamic heritage is an integral part of that. The city is home to some of the most beautiful and historic mosques in the world, each with its own unique story and architectural style.   The 5 best mosques to visit in Istanbul. From the grandeur of the Blue Mosque to the intricate tilework of the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Istanbul’s mosques are truly a sight to behold. In this article, we will explore the top 5 mosques that should be on every traveler’s list when visiting Istanbul. From their historic significance to their stunning architecture, these mosques are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, join us as we discover the beauty and wonder of Istanbul’s Islamic heritage through its mosques.  

The most beautiful mosques in Istanbul

Istanbul is known for its rich history and culture, and one of the most important parts of that history is its Islamic heritage. Istanbul is famous for its Mosques and Ottoman architecture. As the capital of the Ottoman Empire since 1453 and the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is home to over 3000 mosques. The city, in fact, is home to some of the most beautiful and historic mosques in the world, and if you’re planning a visit, you’ll definitely want to check out these top 5.  

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Originally built as a Byzantine church in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia was converted into an Ottoman mosque in 1453 AD and later turned into a museum in 1935. The building is renowned for its architectural and cultural significance, as well as its intricate mosaics and marble decorations. The dome, which measures over 100 feet in diameter, is considered a masterpiece of engineering and design. The building’s unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles has made it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Istanbul. In 2020, it was turned back into a mosque. Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, and is considered one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. The mosque is famous for its six minarets and the blue tiles that adorn the interior, giving it its name. The tiles were crafted in Iznik, a town known for producing high-quality ceramics during the Ottoman period. Inside, the mosque features a central dome that is supported by four smaller domes and is surrounded by intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns. The courtyard of the mosque is also noteworthy for its size and beauty, and it is a popular spot for visitors to take in the stunning architecture. The mosque is still active and open to visitors and Muslims for prayer. Address: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye Mosque is a historic mosque built by the Ottoman Empire’s most famous architect, Mimar Sinan, during the rule of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557. The mosque is considered one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture and is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul. The mosque’s design is characterized by its grand scale and harmonious proportions, with a central dome that is supported by four smaller domes and is surrounded by a courtyard and other buildings. The central dome is 53 meters high and is decorated with Iznik tiles. The mosque’s interior is adorned with intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns, as well as several other works of art. The mosque has four minarets, each of them is over 70 meters high. The Süleymaniye Mosque is also notable for its location, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Golden Horn, giving visitors a picturesque view of Istanbul. The mosque is still active and open to visitors and Muslims for prayer. Address: Süleymaniye, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Ortaköy Mosque

The Ortakoy Mosque is a historic mosque located in the Ortakoy neighborhood of Istanbul. It was built in the 19th century during the Ottoman Empire, and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. The mosque is situated on the Bosphorus shore and it is an iconic landmark of Istanbul. The mosque was designed by architect Nigogos Balyan, and it features a mix of Ottoman, Byzantine and Baroque architectural styles. The mosque’s dome is supported by four semi-domes and the walls are decorated with colorful tiles and intricate calligraphy. The mosque’s interior is adorned with intricate geometric patterns, as well as several other works of art. The mosque has one minaret and it is approximately 40 meters high. The Ortakoy Mosque is also notable for its location, situated on the Bosphorus shore, giving visitors a picturesque view of the Bosphorus and the surrounding area. The mosque is still active and open to visitors and Muslims for prayer. The area around the mosque is also popular among tourists and locals alike, as it features many restaurants, cafes, and shops. Address: Mecidiye, Mecidiye Köprüsü Sk. No:1 D:1, 34347 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

Çamlıca Mosque

The Camlica Mosque is a modern mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul, and one of the largest in the world. It was built in the 21st century and officially opened in 2019. The mosque was designed by architect Hüsrev Tayla. The mosque is situated on the highest point of Istanbul, Camlica Hill, which is on the Asian side of Istanbul, providing visitors with a panoramic view of the city. The mosque was designed with modern architectural techniques and it is equipped with the latest technology, including an advanced lighting system, heating and cooling systems, and an audio system. The mosque features two minarets, each of them is over 70 meters high and it has six domes, the central dome is the largest and it is 35 meters high. The mosque can accommodate up to 63,000 people at a time. The walls of the mosque are decorated with colorful tiles and intricate calligraphy. The mosque’s interior is adorned with intricate geometric patterns, as well as several other works of art. The Camlica Mosque is open to visitors and Muslims for prayer. The area around the mosque is also popular among tourists and locals alike, as it features many restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is a great spot to appreciate the beauty of Istanbul and its skyline. Address: Ferah, 34692 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey In conclusion, Istanbul is home to some of the most beautiful and historic mosques in the world. From the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, the elegance of the Blue Mosque, and the harmonious proportions of the Süleymaniye Mosque, to the modern and innovative Camlica Mosque. Each mosque offers its own unique architectural style, intricate decorations and breathtaking views of the city. Visiting these mosques is not only a chance to marvel at the impressive architecture and art, but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful place to take in the beauty of Istanbul, these mosques are a must-see destination.   Read also: “The 10 most famous cats of Turkey: from Gli to Tombili“