Next to the New Mosque, this must see tomb is the beautiful final resting place of Hatice Turhan,…read moremother of Sultan Ahmed III, in Fatih, Istanbul. Completed in the 18th century, it is the most exquisite example of late Ottoman architecture with intricate tile work and elaborate calligraphy. The tomb is a serene place of reflection and carries significant historical relevance, honoring one of the prominent figures in the Ottoman Empire. Visitors to the site can admire the architectural details and the serene courtyard that surrounds the mausoleum.

"Rustem Pasha Mosque"…read more The Rustem Pasha Mosque was designed by Ottoman imperial architect. The Rustem Pasha Mosque is famous for its large quantities of exquisite Iznik tiles, that's what differentiates this mosque from the others as No other mosque in Istanbul makes such a lavish use of these tiles. The mosque is quite old as it was built around 1561 until 1563. It's not as large as the Blue Mosque or the Suleymaniye Mosque; it is nonetheless impressive and welcoming.

Went to a few mosques including the famous Blue Mosque but must say, that this is my favourite of…read morethem all!! A gem tucked away off one of the alleyways in the Egyptian Bazaar. Climbing up the back stairs, you suddenly feel transported to another time/era and the big reveal of the mosque entrance. Fantastic example of the use of the gorgeous Iznik tiles!Non muslims can enter freely.A must visit.

Keçecizade Fuad Paşa Türbesi ve Camii or Keçecizade Fuad Pasha Mosque is a beautiful 19th century…read more19th century mosque commissioned by Grand Vizier Keçecizade Fuad Pasha. Uzun Şuca (Uzun Şucaeddin), who was known as the Ceremonial Chief (Şatır) of Mehmed the Conqueror, is buried in the mosque garden. Large windows illuminate the interior where you can see Naskh calligraphy plaques. The mihrab, the minbar and the pulpit are made of marble. It has a single-balcony minaret made of cut stone. There is an ornamental belt with a star motif in the middle of its body. Fuad Pasha's tomb is also located in the courtyard.

The Grand Çamlıca Mosque is the largest mosque in Turkey, opened in 2019. It's located in the Asian…read moreside of Istanbul on Çamlıca Hill. It's easy to get there with public transportation. If you're driving, there is an underground parking lot that can hold 3500 cars! The mosque includes a museum, art gallery, library, educational center, conference hall, and even childcare. You can see how the great Ottoman architect Sinan's mosques inspired the architects to make the neoclassical design. The mosque is huge! It can hold over 63,000 people. The main dome is 72 meters high to symbolize how diverse the city is. There are 72 nations living in Istanbul. Beautiful and peaceful place.

Breathtaking and grand this mosque stills atop the hill with views of Istanbul. It is grand and…read morebeautiful and a must see in Istanbul.

Visible from almost every part of Istanbul the Çamlıca Mosque is a reason to visit the Anatolian…read moreside of the Bosphorus. Able to hold 63,000+ people the mosque was completed in 2019 and sits high atop Çamlıca Hill in the Üsküdar district. Busy during prayer times, but serene otherwise, pay attention to the spotless marble and glorious interior. There is even a gift shop for those seeking something unique. Currently this is Istanbul's largest place of worship.

Located across from the gate number one entry to the Grand Bazaar, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque is a…read morebeautiful place that should be added to a trip to Istanbul. We stopped in because I asked our guide, Art from Latitude Tours, about it as we walked by this mosque on our way to the Grand Bazaar. I was so glad that she took our family inside this special place for a quick visit. Built in the Ottoman-Baroque style from 1748-1755, it has the many distinctive and unique features. It has the fourth largest dome in Istanbul after the Hagia Sophia, Suleymaniye Mosque and Faith Mosque. The courtyard has a circular horseshoe shape which is also a classical Baroque architectural detail. The dome is supported by iron bracing. The mosque also features 174 windows which flood the interior with light. The name, Nuruosmaniye or "The Light of Osman," references both these lights as well as Sultan Osman III who commissioned the completion of the construction of this mosque. Instead of the Iznik tilework found in many other Sultan mosques, the interior is lined with gold calligraphy with prayers from the Koran. There is also an active cistern under the mosque. Since it does not have the name recognition that the Blue Mosque possesses, it is less visited by tourists although it is an active mosque that is still used as a place of worship for daily prayers. It was very nice for our family to visit this very peaceful and serene mosque and quietly reflect.

I am unsure about how I feel about Nuruosmaniye Mosque, the center of worship for the eastern part…read moreof the Grand Bazaar. I think it is a beautiful mosque, but it is also an architectural abomination. Commissioned by Sultan Osman III, Nuruosmaniye Mosque ("Light of the Osman" after the sultan) was designed during the time of experimentation. The mid-18th century Istanbul saw the emergence of the new architectural style that emphasized curved line - the Ottoman Baroque style. Consequently, Nuruosmaniye was designed such that the single dome was bizarrely buttressed by a single arch on each side of the building. However, while the exterior left me ambivalent, the interior of the mosque was undeniably beautiful to me. True to its name, Nuruosmaniye interior was designed to intake as much light as possible through its stained window, so even at night, the inside of the mosque was beautifully and colorfully lit by the subtle light. Nuruosmaniye also held a special place in my heart too. After finally escaping the labyrinth-like Grand Bazaar, I entered this mosque only with the intention to rest my legs. Before I could leave though, the minarets called for evening prayer, and then the exit was blocked by a crowd rushing from seemingly nowhere into the formerly empty mosque to join the prayer. I decided that I was better off staying to witness the prayer unfold. Hence, Nuruosmaniye was the location where I unintentionally stumbled into my first observation of a Muslim prayer, which was one of the most amazing rituals I have witnessed. Anyway, Nuruosmaniye is located at the eastern exit of the Grand Bazaar, so why not take a break in this mosque so you can admire this interesting building? When you do have the opportunity to witness Nuruosmaniye, please let me know whether you agree or disagree with my ambivalent disdain for this Ottoman Baroque masterpiece.

Built in 1585, this mosque is notably friendly and inviting. It honors Kazasker Ivaz Efendi, on of…read morethe highest ranking military judges in the Ottoman Empire. At one time it sat on a terrace of the sprawling Blachernae Palace, a gargantuan imperial Byzantine residence dating back to around 500CE that stretched all the way to the Golden Horn, later razed by the Ottomans. The courtyard cemetery has some beautiful Arabic calligraphy and turbans carved into stone. The interior of the mosque is lovely.

This 18th century Ottoman mosque was commissioned and partly designed by Sultan Mustafa III. The…read moreword, Lale, is Turkish for tulip. There was a tulip shaped fountain nearby mentioned in 18th century sources but it's not around anymore. The complex consists of a mosque, a madrassa, a soup kitchen, a fountain, sabil, tombs, a timekeeper room, housing for the imam and muezzin, a caravanserai, and some stores. The inside is well lit by windows and is quite attractive, the same style as the Nuruosmaniye which preceded this mosque by about a decade. As usual, you can meet some nice cats here.