Travel Guide

Istanbul is a city that stands out with its historical and cultural richness. Mosques are an important part of this richness. You can find beautiful mosques from different periods in every corner of the city. Here are the must-see mosques of Istanbul: 

1. Hagia Sophia-i Kebir Mosque

Built as a church by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532-537, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. One of the most important buildings in history, Hagia Sophia attracts millions of visitors every year with its impressive architecture and mosaics. It has four minarets added in 916 and another minaret added by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum between 1934 and 1935 and was converted back into a mosque in 2020. 

2. Blue Mosque 

Built by Ahmed I between 1609-1616, the Blue Mosque is also known as the "Mosque with Six Minarets". One of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture, the mosque attracts tourists with its six minarets and elegant courtyard. The main dome has a diameter of 27.5 meters and a height of 43 meters. Iznik tiles were used in the interior and exterior decorations of the mosque. 

3. Süleymaniye Mosque 

Süleymaniye Mosque, the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, was built by Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550-1557. With its magnificent architecture and large complex, Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important symbols of Istanbul. It has 4 minarets and its main dome has a diameter of 27.5 meters and a height of 53 meters. The complex includes mosques, madrasahs, libraries, baths, imaret and tombs. 

4. Fatih Mosque 

Built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror after the conquest of Istanbul, Fatih Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the city. In 1766, the mosque was badly damaged by a fire and was rebuilt by Sultan Mustafa III. It has 16 minarets and its main dome is 26 meters in diameter. The complex includes mosques, madrasahs, baths and mausoleums. 

5. Yeni Mosque 

Built in 1597 by Safiye Sultan, Yeni Mosque is located in Eminönü. One of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture, the mosque attracts attention with its elegant architecture and tile dome. It has a single 63 meter high minaret. Iznik tiles and marble were used in the interior and exterior decorations of the mosque. 

6. Beyazit Mosque 

Built in 1506 by Bayezid II, Beyazıt Mosque is located in Beyazıt Square. A classic example of Ottoman architecture, the mosque attracts tourists with its large courtyard and impressive minarets. It has 2 minarets and the diameter of the main dome is 16.8 meters. The complex includes a mosque, madrasah, hammam and mausoleum. 

7. Eyüp Sultan Mosque 

Eyüp Sultan Mosque, located next to the Eyüp Sultan Tomb, is one of the most important religious buildings in Istanbul. Located next to the tomb of Eyüp Sultan, the standard bearer of the Prophet Muhammad, the mosque welcomes millions of visitors every year. It has 1 minaret and the diameter of its main dome is 17 meters. The complex includes a mosque, mausoleum, madrasah, bathhouse and library. 

8. Çinili Mosque 

Built in 1472 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, Çinili Mosque is located in Fatih. Named after its mihrab decorated with tiles, the mosque is one of the first examples of Ottoman architecture. It has 1 minaret and a single dome. 

9. Dolmabahce Mosque 

Built in 1853 in Beşiktaş, Dolmabahçe Mosque is one of the last examples of Ottoman architecture. Built in baroque and neoclassical style, the mosque attracts attention with its elegant architecture and impressive interior decoration. It has 2 minarets and the diameter of its main dome is 17.5 meters. In the courtyard of the mosque are the mausoleums of Sultan Abdülmecid and Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan. 

10. Camlica Mosque 

Built in 2019 in Üsküdar, Çamlıca Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul. Blending modern architecture with traditional Ottoman architecture, the mosque offers panoramic views of the city. It has 6 minarets and the diameter of its main dome is 34 meters. The complex includes a mosque, library, art gallery, conference hall and parking lot. 

11. Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)

Built in 1854 in Ortaköy, the Grand Mecidiye Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques on the Bosphorus. Built in baroque and neoclassical style, the mosque attracts tourists with its elegant architecture and impressive lighting. It has 2 minarets and the diameter of its main dome is 17.5 meters. 

Apart from these, there are many historical and modern mosques worth visiting in every neighborhood in Istanbul. Istanbul's mosques form an important part of the city's historical and cultural heritage. By visiting these magnificent monuments, you can see the beauty of Ottoman architecture and art up close.