Visit Rüstem Pasha Mosque – A Lost Gem
Are you planning to visit the Rüstem Pasha Mosque? Then here are some fascinating things about it, you would surely enjoy visiting this mosque more after getting to know about them. Rüstem Pasha Mosque is an architectural gem of Istanbul-the historic hub of Turkey.
Among the magnificent and adorable mosques like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, this mosque stands in the city with its own reputation and position. Though it is not very famous, it is an extremely adorable place. This mosque’s natural beauty and uniqueness lie inside, while the outside of the mosque is relatively simple.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque – The Background Story
Somewhere between hundreds of shops near Spice Bazar, Rüstem Pasha Mosque is located. Like other mosques, it holds a historical connection to Ottoman Empire. It was built in the memory of Rustem Pasha by his wife, Mihrimah Sultan.
Curious to know more? Read along!
History
Rüstem Pasha Mosque is made in the name of Rustem pasha, who was the talented vizier of the Ottoman Empire. Rustem Pasha was famous due to his marriage to the only daughter of Sultan Suleiman, Mihrimah Sultan.
In 1561, orders were given by Mihrimah Sultan to start the construction of the Rüstem Pasha Mosque. Shops were built at the bottom of this mosque to generate income for the mosque and to support it.
This mosque was designed by Mimar Sinan-the most famous and chief architect of the Ottoman Empire. He was responsible for designing many prominent mosques in the Ottoman Empire, but this mosque was created totally unique in architecture.
In the 17th century, a fire damaged it, and an earthquake in the 18th century. Its dome and minaret were destroyed. Then it was repaired in the reign of Mustafa II, so the exact style of Mimar Sinan was lost.
Creativity and Architecture
Outside of Rüstem Pasha Mosque is pretty simple, but when discussing its interior, it is unique among all other famous mosques of the Ottoman Empire. The fantastic Iznik Tile art in different geometries inside the mosque attracts the attention of tourists. Iznik Tiles of Rüstem Pasha Mosque are the primary reason for its popularity, as these are arranged in such lovely geometric and floral patterns that hypnotize tourists in their beauty.
Rich in a collection of captivating tiles arranged in enchanting designs, this mosque feels like a little garden of paradise. The most distinctive feature of the Rüstem Pasha mosque is the usage of red tiles, as the red color was hard to see and incorporate into tiles, so its use in this mosque is a unique and exciting feature.
The mosque’s interior is octagon-shaped, while the exterior is rectangular, which is an extraordinary style of this mosque.
Interior Tour
When you reach the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, you see a fountain on the street, which is the most exclusive feature of this mosque. As in other mosques, fountains are present inside the courtyard.
You see two spiral stairs leading to the outer portion of the mosque. The mosque has one minaret, four full domes, and four half domes. Twenty-four beautiful windows ventilate the lower part of this mosque. Red carpets under a glorious golden chandelier are used for offering prayer on them.
Five domed bays are present on the double porch of this mosque. Rows of numerous marble columns support the galleries. Rüstem Pasha Mosque plan is based on octagonal geometry as the pillars of this mosque are also octagonal like its overall interior structure.
A Beginner’s Guide to Visit Rüstem Pasha Mosque Smartly
It becomes easier and more joyful to visit a historic place when you have been guided about its tour and rules and its exciting features. So, let’s start.
Why Should You Visit Rüstem Pasha Mosque?
You should visit this unique mosque because of some interesting facts about it that will blow your mind when you visit.
- This mosque is creatively made with an octagonal pattern on the interior and a rectangular pattern on the exterior.
- Red Iznik Tiles are used inside this mosque, a unique feature in any other mosque.
- Almost 80 floral patterns are beautifully made using distinct tiles.
Location of Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Rüstem Pasha Mosque is located near the Spice Bazaar in Eminönu. Its address is Rüstem Paşa, Hasırcılar Cd. No:62, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul. This mosque seems to be lost among dozens of shops around it, so it gets a bit difficult to reach this mosque.
Opening Timings of Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Rüstem Pasha Mosque generally has opening timings of 10 Am to 6 Pm. During prayer timings, the mosque temporarily gets closed for visitors.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Rüstem Pasha Mosque?
The best time to visit this mosque is during working days, preferably morning time. At this time, the mosque is not crowded with tourists or worshippers, so you can calmly visit it.
Rules You Must Know Before Visit
You must follow these rules in order to enter Rüstem Pasha Mosque:
- Females must be wearing hijabs and full clothes. The entire body should be covered.
- The Male must be wearing full clothes. No nickers or shorts are allowed.
Entrance Fee of Rüstem Pasha Mosque
The Turkish Government has not allowed taking any charges from people to enter mosques. So entry to Rüstem Pasha Mosque is totally free.
How to Reach Rüstem Pasha Mosque
You can reach Rüstem Pasha Mosque from any part of Istanbul by taking a bus from Eminonu. The Tramway of Bağcılar-Kabataş is also the easiest method to reach this mosque. Take off the bus and then walk for 5 to 10 minutes to reach this mosque. As this mosque is located in the busiest square, it is better to get help from local people to know its exact direction.
Final Verdict
Rüstem Pasha Mosque is a calm place to visit as you shall not get a mob of tourists there due to its low popularity. But it is a lovely place to refresh your soul with its beauty and grace. We highly recommend you visit this graceful mosque which many people don’t even know. Take advantage of its low popularity and visit this mosque calmly and serenely.
