13 of the Most Famous Mosques in Istanbul

Istanbul is renowned for its numerous mosques, which add a religious aura and significant tourist value to the city. The city's mosques are not only celebrated for their historical significance but also for their captivating architectural beauty. Often referred to as the "City of Minarets," Istanbul’s mosques are open to visitors of all religions and nationalities. In this article, Skyline Tours takes you on a journey to explore some of the most famous mosques in Istanbul.

What Are the Most Famous Mosques in Istanbul?

Religious tourism in Istanbul is distinguished by the presence of many mosques with unique architectural designs and rich historical value, making them popular tourist destinations for visitors from around the world. Here is a list of some of the most famous mosques in Istanbul:

Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Also known as the "Blue Mosque," it is located in the Sultan Ahmed district on the European side of Istanbul. The mosque is one of the most beautiful and famous in the city, with historical significance dating back to its construction in 1617 under Sultan Ahmed. The mosque is also renowned for its stunning architecture, featuring walls adorned with decorative blue paint and 200 windows. The Blue Mosque stands as one of Istanbul's most iconic historical mosques.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Hagia Sophia is one of the oldest and most famous mosques in Istanbul, having undergone several transformations throughout history. Originally built as a church during the Roman Empire, it was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and later became a museum during the era of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Recently, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Hagia Sophia was restored as a mosque and is now a significant site for both worship and tourism.

Fatih Mosque

The Fatih Mosque is a major tourist attraction in Istanbul, celebrated for its architectural beauty. Distinguished by its two minarets and large courtyard surrounded by columns and arches, the mosque holds a significant historical place, as it was originally a church during the Byzantine era. The mosque is located in the Fatih district, one of the most historically rich areas on the European side of Istanbul.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Built by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, after whom it is named, Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest and most significant mosques in Istanbul. Its geographical location in the Eminönü district, near the Bosphorus, and its unique architectural design contribute to its status as a major historical and tourist landmark in the city.

Ortaköy Mosque

Located in the Ortaköy district on the European side of Istanbul, this mosque offers a stunning view of the Bosphorus. Its ornate design makes it appear as a beautiful painting, attracting many tourists. The mosque was built by order of Sultan Abdulmejid, with strong foundations designed to withstand earthquakes. It features a special corner for the Sultan, combining beauty, strategic location, and historical significance.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

Eyüp Sultan Mosque is one of the oldest Ottoman mosques in Istanbul, built shortly after the conquest of Constantinople in 1458. The mosque holds a special religious place as it houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad's companion, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari.

Sancaklar Mosque

Sancaklar Mosque, located in Büyükçekmece, covers an area of 700 square meters and is distinguished by its unique design. Built underground, the mosque is known for its simplicity and serene interior, offering a quiet environment for prayer and reflection, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Arab Mosque

Built in 717 AD by the Arab Islamic army led by Maslama ibn Abd al-Malik, Arab Mosque is the first mosque constructed by Arabs in Istanbul. Located in the Beyoğlu district in the heart of Istanbul, the mosque's most notable feature is its Andalusian-style minaret, which was originally a staircase in a church before being converted into a minaret.

Cihangir Mosque

Cihangir Mosque was built in the 16th century in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul by the famous architect Sinan. The mosque is situated on one of the hills of the old city, offering an impressive view of the Bosphorus.

The Mosque of the Holy Mantle

Also known as "The Mosque of the Prophet's Cloak," this mosque is located in the Fatih district. It is famous for housing the Prophet Muhammad's cloak, which was brought to Istanbul by Sultan Selim I in 1516. The mosque's design reflects Arabic influences, with ornate Arabic calligraphy adorning its interior. A large dome dominates the central part of the mosque.

Kani Kali Mosque

This small mosque, located in the Fatih district, is notable for its unusual name, which translates to "As If I Ate." The mosque was built in the 18th century during the Ottoman era and is one of Istanbul's most famous mosques, despite its modest size of 130 square meters, accommodating only around 200 worshippers.

Çamlıca Mosque

Known as the "Grand Mosque," Çamlıca Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul, covering more than 57,000 square meters out of a total area of 350,000 square meters. The mosque is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks, known for its modern design and extensive grounds, which include seating areas and gardens.

Dolmabahçe Mosque

Also known as the "Valide Sultan Mosque," Dolmabahçe Mosque is located in the Kabataş district, one of Istanbul's most beautiful areas. Built in 1855 by order of Sultan Abdulmejid, the mosque is a prominent tourist attraction due to its proximity to Dolmabahçe Palace and its architectural design, which combines Western and Ottoman styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous mosque in Istanbul?

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is one of Istanbul's most famous mosques, celebrated for its historical significance, tourist value, and strategic location.

What is the largest mosque in Istanbul?

Çamlıca Mosque, also known as the "Grand Mosque," is the largest mosque in Istanbul and one of the largest in Turkey.

What was the first mosque built in Istanbul?

The first mosque built by the Arab Muslim army in Istanbul is the Arab Mosque.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city rich in religious landmarks that include not only mosques but also churches, creating a complete religious tourism experience. Skyline Tours is always ready to organize a variety of exceptional programs for a refined tour of Istanbul’s mosques.