Istanbul is home to some of the finest examples of Ottoman and Islamic architecture. With its historically and spiritually significant mosques, the city welcomes millions of visitors every year. Here are the most important mosques in Istanbul:
📍 Location: Sultanahmet Square
📅 Year Built: 1616
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Ahmed I
🔹 This iconic mosque is known as the "Blue Mosque" due to its stunning blue Iznik tiles.
🔹 With its six minarets, it is one of the most magnificent Ottoman mosques.
🔹 The courtyard and surrounding area host special Ramadan events.
🎯 Must-See: The view of Hagia Sophia from its courtyard at sunset is breathtaking.
📍 Location: Sultanahmet
📅 First Built: 537 (Byzantine era)
🔄 Converted into a Mosque: 1453 (By Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror)
🔹 Hagia Sophia was the largest place of worship in the world for 1,000 years.
🔹 It was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
🔹 The architecture blends Byzantine and Ottoman influences, making it a unique landmark.
🎯 Must-See: The combination of Ottoman additions and Byzantine mosaics inside is truly mesmerizing.
📍 Location: Fatih
📅 Year Built: 1557
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent
🔹 One of the greatest masterpieces of Mimar Sinan.
🔹 Offers a breathtaking view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.
🔹 It is part of one of the largest Ottoman mosque complexes, including a library, hospital, and soup kitchen.
🎯 Must-See: Watching the sunset from the mosque’s courtyard is an unforgettable experience.
📍 Location: Fatih
📅 Year Built: 1470
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror
🔹 The first grand mosque built after the conquest of Constantinople.
🔹 Houses the tomb of Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror).
🔹 One of the largest Ottoman mosque complexes, featuring madrassas and a library.
🎯 Must-See: Explore the Ottoman gravestones in the courtyard after Friday prayers.
📍 Location: Eyüp
📅 Year Built: 1458
🔹 The mosque is built around the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of Prophet Muhammad.
🔹 It was a significant place for Ottoman sultans' sword-girding ceremonies.
🔹 Extremely popular during Ramadan and the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr).
🎯 Must-See: Take the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill for a panoramic view of the mosque and the Golden Horn.
📍 Location: Ortaköy
📅 Year Built: 1856
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Abdulmecid
🔹 Located right on the Bosphorus shore, offering an incredible view.
🔹 Features a Neo-Baroque architectural style, unique among Ottoman mosques.
🔹 One of the most photographed landmarks in Istanbul.
🎯 Must-See: Visit at night when the mosque is beautifully illuminated.
📍 Location: Fatih
📅 Year Built: 1522
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Selim I
🔹 Overlooks the Golden Horn and offers one of the best sunset views in Istanbul.
🔹 A perfect example of Ottoman architectural simplicity and grandeur.
🎯 Must-See: Watch the sunset over the Golden Horn from the mosque’s courtyard.
📍 Locations: One in Üsküdar, one in Edirnekapı
📅 Year Built: 16th century
👑 Commissioned by: Mihrimah Sultan (Daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent)
🔹 Designed by Mimar Sinan, who is believed to have been in love with Mihrimah Sultan.
🔹 Üsküdar’s mosque sits along the Bosphorus, offering stunning waterfront views.
🎯 Must-See: On specific days, you can witness a rare phenomenon: as the sun sets behind the Edirnekapı mosque, the moon rises behind the Üsküdar mosque.
📍 Location: Fatih
📅 Year Built: 1548
👑 Commissioned by: Suleiman the Magnificent (for his son, Prince Mehmed)
🔹 One of Mimar Sinan’s early works, known for its perfect symmetry.
🔹 A hidden gem that offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
🎯 Must-See: Take a moment to relax in its peaceful courtyard.
📍 Location: Laleli, Fatih
📅 Year Built: 1763
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Mustafa III
🔹 A remarkable example of Ottoman Baroque architecture.
🔹 The interior decorations and wall patterns give it a distinct atmosphere.
🎯 Must-See: If you enjoy unique Ottoman architecture, this mosque is a must-visit.
The mosques of Istanbul are not just places of worship; they are masterpieces of art, history, and architecture. Visiting these mosques allows you to experience Istanbul’s deep spiritual atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.
🕌 Sultanahmet Mosque – The symbol of Istanbul
🏛 Hagia Sophia Mosque – A fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage
🌅 Süleymaniye Mosque – Mimar Sinan’s greatest masterpiece
🕌 Eyüp Sultan Mosque – A place of deep spiritual significance
🌊 Ortaköy Mosque – The most scenic mosque on the Bosphorus
Each mosque tells a different story and reflects Istanbul’s incredible history! 💙
