İstanbul's 10 Most Magnificent Mosques

İstanbul, home to many civilizations and endowed with a rich cultural heritage, also fascinates with its magnificent mosques.

Here are the 10 most magnificent mosques of İstanbul: 

Hagia Sophia Mosque

An important symbol of both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, Hagia Sophia was built in 537. You can both visit Hagia Sophia, which is used as a mosque today, and witness its glorious history at the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum.

By the way, you may also be interested in our article on 10 must-see museums in İstanbul. Click here to read.

Blue Mosque

Built in 1616, the Blue Mosque is famous for its blue tiles. With 6 minarets, the Blue Mosque is one of the largest mosques in İstanbul and attracts both locals and tourists.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque, built by Mimar Sinan on behalf of Suleiman the Magnificent, is one of the most important examples of Classical Ottoman Architecture. The Suleymaniye Mosque, which Mimar Sinan called “my novice work”, also attracts the attention of tourists.

Yeni Mosque

Located in Eminönü, Yani Mosque was built in 1665. Yeni Mosque is the last example of the large mosques built by the Ottoman family in İstanbul. The mosque, which is inspired by Baroque and Ottoman architecture, also draws attention with its rich decorations.

Ortaköy Mosque

Built in 1853, the Ortaköy Mosque is famous for its baroque-style architecture and views of the Bosphorus and was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid.

Fatih Mosque

Built between 1463-1470, Fatih Mosque is the first major mosque built after the conquest of İstanbul. The Fatih Mosque, built by Mehmed II, is part of a complex that includes 16 madrasas, darüşşifa (hospital), tabhane (guesthouse), imaret (soup kitchen), library and hammam.

Grand Çamlıca Mosque

Opened on May 3, 2019, the Grand Çamlıca Mosque is the largest mosque in the history of the Republic. The Grand Çamlıca Mosque, which has a museum, art gallery, library, conference hall for a thousand people, 8 art workshops and a parking lot for 3,500 vehicles, has Mimar Sinan's classical Ottoman-Islamic architecture.

Little Hagia Sophia Mosque

Built in the 6th century, this building was converted from a Byzantine church into a mosque during the reign of Beyazid II. It attracts attention with both its architectural features and historical importance.

Beylerbeyi Mosque

Built in 1863 by Sultan Abdülaziz, Beylerbeyi Mosque is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture.

Yıldız Mosque

Built in 1885, Yıldız Mosque reflects the neo-baroque architectural style of the Ottoman period. Located in Yıldız Park, the mosque has a tranquil atmosphere and was built by Abdulhamid II.