Istanbul is rightfully known as the city of minarets, housing more than 3400 mosques scattered throughout its neighborhoods, a testament to an ancient civilization that has been shaped by various empires.
In this article, we will take you on a tour of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul, those that embody the essence of history and narrate the tales of civilizations.
1-The New Mosque (Yeni Cami):
The New Mosque, or “Yeni Cami,” stands as an architectural masterpiece adorning the city of Istanbul, distinguished by its enchanting location on the shores of the Golden Horn bay. The mosque’s location adds a special charm to it, as it stands proudly overlooking the movement of ships and boats, offering visitors unforgettable scenic views.
The story of the mosque’s construction epitomizes the grandeur of Ottoman history, commissioned by the wife of Sultan Murad III in the early 17th century. Construction of the mosque took over half a century, and it was inaugurated in 1665, becoming one of the most significant historical landmarks in Istanbul. The New Mosque is characterized by its unique design, featuring six towering minarets and a massive dome that give it a luxurious and captivating appearance. The interior of the mosque is adorned with breathtaking inscriptions and decorations that embody the essence of authentic Islamic art.
2-Sancaklar Mosque:
Also known as the “Ghar Hira Mosque,” one of the prominent religious and architectural landmarks in Istanbul, designed by the Turkish architect Emre Arolat.
This mosque stands out with its unique location in the Buyukcekmece area, situated on a spacious area of 700 square meters. However, what truly distinguishes Sancaklar Mosque is its distinctive architectural design, different from other mosque designs. This mosque was built underground, inspired by the Ghar Hira, the place where the revelation came to the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.
3-Arab Mosque in Istanbul:
The Arab Mosque, located in the Galata neighborhood in the Beyoglu district in the center of Istanbul, is one of the oldest and most important mosques in the city, as it has a long history dating back to 717 AD. It was built by the Arab Muslim army led by Muslimah ibn Abdul Malik, becoming the first mosque built by Muslims in Istanbul.
The Arab Mosque is characterized by its unique architectural design, which blends the Byzantine and Andalusian styles and gives it a special charm. The minaret of the mosque is one of its most prominent features, as it was converted from the bell tower of the church that existed on the site before the Islamic conquest. The minaret is characterized by its distinctive design, consisting of 102 steps, decorated with exquisite Islamic inscriptions and decorations.
4– Sultan Ahmed Mosque:
Also known as the “Blue Mosque,” it is one of the most splendid landmarks in Istanbul, boasting its distinctive location in Sultan Ahmed Square, facing the famous Hagia Sophia Mosque. Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I between 1609 and 1616, it became one of the most significant and grandest mosques in the Islamic world.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque is distinguished by its unique architectural design, blending Byzantine and Ottoman styles, which give it a special charm. Its six minarets are among its prominent features, adding a luxurious and attractive appearance.
The interior of the mosque is adorned with breathtaking inscriptions and decorations that embody the essence of authentic Islamic art. Therefore, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an architectural masterpiece that embodies the grandeur of Ottoman history and represents a symbol of Islam in the ancient city of Istanbul, affirming its unique historical and cultural value.
5-Ortaköy Mosque:
Ortaköy Mosque, situated in the Ortaköy area on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul, distinguished by its enchanting location and unique architectural design. It was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmegid I in 1853, at the behest of his mother, Princess Şehime Sultan.
Ortaköy Mosque is characterized by a decorated dome surrounded by unique ornaments and two towering minarets of exceptional beauty. The mosque’s foundations were constructed 20 meters deep to protect the building from earthquakes, which was a unique engineering achievement at that time.
The mosque consists of two main sections: the main worship area and a section dedicated to the Sultan’s lodge, emphasizing its unique historical and cultural value.
6-Fatih Mosque:
Located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, the Fatih Mosque is one of the prominent historical landmarks in the city, narrating the story of the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The mosque was built between 1463 and 1470 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror to commemorate his great victory in the conquest of Constantinople.
Fatih Mosque is distinguished by its unique architectural design, blending Byzantine and Ottoman styles, which gives it a special charm. However, the mosque suffered significant damage after a devastating earthquake hit the city in 1766, requiring its complete reconstruction. The mosque was rebuilt in 1771 with a different design from the original, while preserving some of the fundamental architectural elements.
7- Süleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque is situated atop the third hill of Istanbul and ranks among the most magnificent Islamic landmarks in the world, boasting its unique architectural design and breathtaking views over the city.
It was commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557, featuring a distinctive and unprecedented architectural design by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan.
The Süleymaniye Mosque is distinguished by its massive dome, which is one of the largest domes in the world, and its four towering minarets that give it a luxurious and attractive appearance.
8–Cihangir Mosque
Cihangir Mosque, situated in the Beyoğlu area on one of Istanbul’s ancient hills, is among the most beautiful architectural landmarks in the city, distinguished by its unique design and stunning views overlooking the Bosphorus Strait.
Built by the renowned architect Sinan in the 16th century by order of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the story of the construction of the Cihangir Mosque is linked to the passion of Prince Cihangir, the son of Sultan Suleiman, for this area. He favored it above others for hunting, prompting Sultan Suleiman to order the construction of a small mosque with a single minaret in honor of his son, naming it “Cihangir.”
Cihangir Mosque has endured several fires and earthquakes throughout history, with the most recent being in 1889. However, it received attention from the Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II, who renovated and rebuilt it.
9–Mosque of the Noble Prophet’s Cloak
One of the most important and renowned mosques in Istanbul, it holds a prestigious religious and cultural status among Muslims worldwide, as it houses the cloak (hırka) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a significant relic embodying the essence of authentic Islamic history.
Built during the Ottoman Empire era, the mosque is distinguished by its unique architectural design blending Byzantine and Ottoman styles, which gives it a special charm. Located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, it is among the foremost religious and tourist attractions in the city.
After being closed for 8 years, the mosque is currently preparing to reopen its doors to visitors interested in viewing the honorable cloak of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque aims to provide a rich religious and cultural experience for visitors through exceptional services and amenities, including guided tours and scheduled viewings of the sacred relic.
Therefore, the Mosque of the Prophet’s Cloak is an ideal destination for Muslims from around the world, offering them a unique opportunity to connect with Islamic history and discover the essence of faith in the heart of historic Istanbul.
In addition to its religious and historical significance, the mosque contributes to fostering cultural exchange between civilizations, spreading the message of tolerant Islam, and enhancing communication among Muslims worldwide.
10–Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Located in the Marmara area at the main Eminönü port in Istanbul, this mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Turkey, distinguished by its unique architectural design and stunning Iznik tile decorations.
The mosque was commissioned by the renowned architect Sinan Agha on the orders of Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha, the husband of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s daughter Mihrimah Sultan, to commemorate him after his death in 1561.
The mosque is known for its luxurious Iznik tiles, a type of decorative ceramic produced in the Turkish town of Iznik during the 15th and 16th centuries. These tiles cover the entire walls of the mosque, including the mihrab, adding a uniquely aesthetic touch.
This vast quantity of Iznik tiles was not used in any other mosque in Istanbul, making the Rüstem Pasha Mosque a unique example of Ottoman architectural artistry. In addition to the Iznik tiles, the mosque is characterized by its magnificent marble decorations, intricate windows, and elegant minaret.
The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Istanbul, allowing visitors to admire the beauty of Ottoman architecture, discover the artistic masterpiece of Iznik tiles, and learn about the history of this venerable area.
Furthermore, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, underscoring its unique historical and cultural value.