10 Beautiful Mosques in Istanbul

You cannot picture Istanbul without noticing its ethereal mosques. The iconic landmarks of Istanbul’s skyline are the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Dating as far back as the fifteenth to nineteenth centuries, the great ruling period of the Ottoman Empire shaped the city’s canvas with attractive domes and minarets. You can assume it's a rich tapestry of culture, where the traditionally inspiring Islamic architecture dominates the grounds of Sultanahmet and Beyoglu quite famously. One can easily admire the view from the panoramic Galata Tower or while cruising along the Golden Horn.

Saying that—how can we skip mentioning the legendary architect behind many of these mosques in Istanbul, consecrated by Mimar Sinan?! Now, let us take you to the streets where the sounds of the call to prayer echo through the air, reflecting off contemporary mosque designs that represent the culture of different civilizations.

Constructed by the orders of Sultan Ahmed I, and completed in 1617, it is located in the busy Fatih district of Istanbul, southeast of the ancient Hippodrome. Istanbul Blue Mosque is the central icon of tourist attractions because of its captivating huge dome complemented by four other semi-domes and six minarets towering over its courtyard. The ‘blue’ is inside, where the intricately designed thousands of Iznik tiles exhibiting floral motifs adorn the walls, and at night, the mosque is illuminated with blue lights, highlighting the main and secondary domes.

Hagia Sophia Mosque has to be included in the eighth wonder of the world (metaphorically, not officially). It also has fascinating historical and cultural significance, as it was first an excellent example of Byzantine-style church architecture. Emperor Justinian had consecrated it to be the Church of Divine Wisdom in 537 A.D. Sultan Mehmet II had later converted it into a mosque in 1453. Tourists get awe-inspired by stealing a glance at the huge brass door or the beautiful gate. Enchanting chandeliers, calligraphic medallions of Allah, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), and the names of Caliphs adorn the pillars that are decorated in golden and yellow hues. It was converted into a museum and now again functions as a mosque since 2020.

Designed by the renowned Mimar Sinan, it stands atop the hill overlooking the Bosphorus at the mouth of the Golden Horn. Sulemaniye Mosque was ordered to be made by Sultan Suleiman, and it is adored for its picturizing grandeur, detailed artwork, and mesmerizing stained windows. Tourists get to visit the tombs of the Sultan and Harem Sultan. Along with that, they can also take a tour of the neighboring complex where a hospital, hammam, and a school are located.

It is said that Sultan Mehmet had requested the construction of the Fatih Mosque to overshadow Hagia Sophia, and so it was built between 1463–1470. The mosque’s area in the Fatih district also includes a soup kitchen, a madrassah, a hospital, a local bazaar, and a hammam. The oval dome stands by wide pillars, and beautiful calligraphy and the Iznik tiles decorate the area of the mosque.

It’s one of the must-visit mosques for visitors exploring Ortaköy. Sultan Abdul-Mecid had ordered its construction in 1856 overlooking the breathtaking Bosphorus Strait. It is designed in antique Baroque and Rococo characteristic, which still appear to fascinate people and has the prestige of being one of the most iconic mosques in Istanbul.

In the bustling Tahtakale neighborhood of Istanbul, the Rustem Pasha Mosque stands as a hidden jewel of great Ottoman culture. Designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, it was commissioned by Rustem Pasha, the Grand Vizier for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The mosque is famous for its stunning interiors, richly decorated with blue İznik tiles—an exquisite symbol of Sinan’s architectural genius.

This mosque can be located on the whimsical shores of the Golden Horn and is also known as the New Mosque. Yeni Cami is seen to be a heritage site and attracts visitors because of its key location and ancient cultural significance, adding it to the list of must-visit mosques in Istanbul.

After the Ottomans conquered Istanbul, they dedicated a site for the construction of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, which was completed in 1458 and became one of the city’s earliest and most spiritually significant mosques. The mosque features a central dome flanked by two slender minarets, with intricate ornamental designs. Its tranquil courtyard exudes peaceful vibes, drawing visitors seeking spirituality and reflection.

Çamlıca Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey, is notable for having the highest number and tallest minarets in the country. Inspired by Ottoman and Seljuk architectural styles, the mosque stands on an expansive area of 15,000 square meters. Its vast prayer halls, courtyard, and open spaces can accommodate a large number of worshippers comfortably.

Set amidst the Uskudar district, named after the daughter of the Sultan, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is another architectural wonder created by Mimar Sinan in the Asian side of Istanbul. The dome is elevated 37 meters high and stands as an elegant reminder of Ottoman-style buildings. (Note: There are two Mihrimah Sultan Mosques in Istanbul—this one refers to the Uskudar mosque built in the 1540s.)