Istanbul was the capital of three different empires, and that’s something you can sense in the grandeur it spreads. Its strategic location between two continents has allowed it to retain its history and culture, and it can boast of having more than 3,000 mosques; supposedly one per street. If you plan to visit them, we are going to tell you which mosques in Istanbul you should visit.
Istanbul’s Most Impressive Mosques
If you have never had the opportunity to travel to Turkey, you may not know it, but the Muslim religion is very tolerant there. The proof of this mentality is that it is possible to visit the mosques of Istanbul, or at least the vast majority of them. In addition, the entrance is completely free, although you can leave a donation there at the exit.
The only condition is that we respect their rules. This means leaving shoes at the entrance or carrying them in a bag, and as you’d expect, women must cover their hair and shoulders. Although you can be provided with something to cover yourself on the spot, the most practical way to visit Istanbul’s mosques is to wear a headscarf. It is also necessary to act as in any other place of worship, with respect and discretion. Below, we present the mandatory stops.
The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Camii
Besides being the largest and most visited mosque, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. Its most outstanding features are the symmetry of proportions and the exclusivity of having six minarets. Its construction dates back to the 17th century by Sultan Ahmed.
Stepping inside, one immediately understands the reason for its name, namely that the dome is 23 meters in diameter and that the top of the mosque is decorated with more than 20,000 blue tiles. Additionally, light-flooded lamps and stained glass ensure that this work of art shines with the sunlight.
Hagia Sophia
Another of Istanbul’s most famous mosques is Hagia Sophia, which was originally a church. Built between 532 and 537, it clearly represents Byzantine art. Less than a century ago, in 1935, it was transformed into a museum, which is why you have to pay admission.
Although less popular, its dome measures 30 meters in diameter and is larger than that of the Blue Mosque; in 1453, when it was taken over by the Ottoman Empire, the four minarets were built.
Inside, large medallions, glass mosaics and majestic marble columns spread an incomparable grandeur. The legend says that if we turn our thumb clockwise inserting it into the Column of Wishes, ours will be fulfilled.
Little Hagia Sophia
She owns this name, because the appearance of the two is very similar, but as you can guess intuitively, she is smaller. Moreover, originally it was also a church, which was converted into one of Istanbul’s mosques by order of Justinian.
Although it is not very special, it is very close to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and since it is the only one that allows us to climb the upper gallery, visiting it is another mandatory stop on our itinerary. .
New mosque
In the immediate vicinity of the Spice Bazaar, in the Eminonu district, is one of the most photographed mosques in Istanbul by tourists. Although its name suggests that it is a new construction, it was started in 1957 and its completion was prolonged due to the difficulties encountered due to the proximity of the sea.
Despite these problems, today it is one of the most beautiful mosques in the city. High vaults, stained glass, tiles and a marble and gold interior complete this magnificent work of art that you cannot miss.
Fatih Mosque
This cultural and religious center should be included in the list of essential mosques when traveling to Istanbul, as it is the first to be built. There is the tomb of Mehmet II Fatih, an Ottoman sultan who conquered Constantinople. The decoration was inspired by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.
The Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent
The last of our mosques in Istanbul has the most beautiful panoramic view. Its construction was in the hands of the architect Sinan, who, having seen the result, wanted to be buried there. It is located in the hills of the Golden Horn, a natural harbor between the old city and the modern part of the capital.
Istanbul’s mosques reflect the country’s history and culture. Authentic monuments that will amaze you throughout your trip.
