The Top Historical and Beautiful Mosques in Istanbul
Introduction
Istanbul, which served as the center of the Muslim Ottoman Empire for many centuries, is home to a number of magnificent mosques that are worth visiting. On the ancient peninsula, in the neighborhoods and districts of Fatih, Sultanahmet, and Eminonu, as well as on the Bosphorus shoreline in Tophane, Kabatas, Besiktas, and Ortakoy, are where you'll find the majority of stunning mosques of significant historical significance. We've gathered the most significant, revered, and stunning mosques in Istanbul here for you not to miss.
Active Mosques
Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet
One of the most stunning mosques and monuments in Istanbul as well as the entire world is the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). In the 17th century (1603–1617), Sultan Ahmet I gave the order for its construction.
Its name is derived from the stunning blue "Iznik tiles" in the inside. It is one of Istanbul's most popular attractions and mosques and a wonderful example of Turkish and Islamic architecture.
Suleymaniye Mosque in Fatih
One of Istanbul's most impressive mosques is the Suleymaniye Mosque. Between 1550 and 1557, it was constructed in tribute to the majestic Kanuni Sultan Suleiman by renowned architect Sinan.
The mosque is beautifully decorated with colorful tiles, stained glass windows, and old-fashioned columns. Standing atop the highest hill in the area, it dominates the skyline of the historic city.
Ortakoy Mosque (Buyuk Mecidiye) in Ortakoy
One of the most stunning mosques in Istanbul is Ortaköy Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque, which has a wonderful architectural. It appears to be floating on the water and was constructed by Sultan Abdülmecit in the 19th century. It is also one of Istanbul's most significant icons.
Eyup Mosque in Eyup
The Eyup Mosque, built in the fifteenth century, stands over the grave of Eyup, the Prophet Mohammed's carrier who passed away in the year 670 while Istanbul was under siege. Near the mosque, there is a lovely cemetery and tourist attractions. It may be found at Eyup, close to the Golden Horn.
Fatih Mosque in Fatih
The Fatih Mosque, which bears the name of Istanbul's conqueror Fatih Sultan Mehmet, was constructed in 1463, a decade after the Sultan's capture of the city. With its ancillaries, which include a hospice, medrese, hospital, caravanserai, library, and baths, it is a mosque of colossal size.
Beyazit Mosque in Beyazit
Beautiful Beyazit Mosque is situated in Beyazit Square. It was erected around 1505, during the reign of Sultan Beyazit II.
Its complex includes a madrasah (religious school), a Turkish bath, a caravanserai, a hostel, and a primary school. It has classic Ottoman architecture.
Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Mosque in Kucuk Ayasofya
Pasa Sokullu Mehmet One of the finest creations of renowned Ottoman architect Sinan, the mosque is situated in Kucuk Ayasofya, below Sultanahmet.
Sehzade Mosque in Fatih
The Sehzade Mosque (also known as the Sehzade Mehmet Mosque) was constructed between 1544 and 1548 in honor of Mehmet, the Kanuni Sultan Suleiman's infant son who passed away. The inside of the mosque is spacious and unadorned, and the Mehmet tomb in the garden features exquisite tile work.
Yeni (New) Mosque in Eminonu
One of the well-known landmarks on the Eminonu coast is the Yeni Mosque, whose name translates to "New" in Turkish. With its expansive courtyard and Iznik tiles in turquoise, blue, and white, the mosque is worth a visit.
Rustem Pasa Mosque in Eminonu
The architect Sinan constructed the Rustem Pasa Mosque in 1561, and it is situated in Eminonu, on the water, with the Suleymaniye Mosque behind it.
Iznik tiles cover the interior in stunning color and pattern combinations. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of an Ottoman masterpiece.
Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque in Tophane
On Tersane Street, near Tophane Square, is the magnificent Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque. Mimar Sinan, an architect, constructed the mosque in 1580. The grand admiral of the Ottoman Navy was Kilic Ali Pasa.
The mosque complex includes a hamam, a public fountain, a tomb, and a religious school. The mosque is thought to have provided a superior illustration of the Hagia Sophia's attractive architectural design. Iznik tiles from the 16th century are used to embellish the interior.
Dolmabahce Mosque in Kabatas
For Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan, the mother of the Sultan Abdülmecid, a beautiful mosque was constructed in 1985 and can be found close to the Dolmabahce Palace.
Yildiz Hamidiye Mosque in Besiktas
The Sultan II. Abdülhamid constructed it between 1885 and 1886, giving it a beautiful exterior and interior.
Mosques that are formerly Churches/Museums
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia, a former church and museum that dates to 325, has been hailed as one of the greatest architectural achievements of all time and is regarded as the eighth wonder of the world. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul and the entire world is Hagia Sophia. Since July 2020, it has been a mosque.
Chora Mosque in Edirnekapi
One of Istanbul's most impressive museums is the Chora Museum, which is situated in the Edirnekapi district and was once known as the Church-Museum. The Chora Museum is a section of a monastery that dates back to the sixth century. Very lovely mosaics and frescoes from the Byzantine period are on display in the Chora Museum. Before becoming a mosque in 2020, Chora was a museum.
Arab Mosque in Galata
On the Kalyon street in Galata, there is a beautiful mosque in the Gothic style called Arab Mosque. The mosque was erected by the Arabs while Istanbul was under siege. The only mosque in Istanbul that doesn't appear to be a mosque is this one. Mesa Domeniko, a chapel built on the site during the Byzantine era, was later transformed into a mosque and given the name "Galata Mosque" during the conquest of Istanbul. After being driven from Spain to Istanbul in 1942, the Arabs from Andalusia settled near the mosque, which is now known as the Arab Mosque.
Kalenderhane Mosque in Fatih
The lovely Kalenderhane Mosque was constructed and designated for dervishes during the Ottoman era. Between Fatih and Beyazit, next to the Bozdogan Aqueduct from the 12th century.
Hazrat Jabir Mosque in Balat
The mosque, which is on Cember Street, attracts visitors with its charming brick exterior. Aya Thekla was the original name of this ancient church, which dates to the ninth century. Atik Mustafa Pasha transformed it into a mosque around 1490. Later, it adopted the name of Hazrat Jabir, who is thought to have lived between the years 606 and 697.
Conclusion
Istanbul is home to some of the most beautiful and historical mosques in the world. Each mosque has its own unique features and history, making them must-see attractions for anyone visiting Istanbul. These mosques not only serve as places of worship, but also as cultural and artistic treasures that showcase the rich history and heritage of the city.