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.

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.

Rustem Pasa Camii is a blue beauty. You may stumble upon it but my mom and I were visiting it…read moreintentionally--it didn't seem like we were in the right place, and must be misunderstanding the directions, but then we practically tripped on it as we were wandering around the spice market. It will be very easy to overlook this This is another mosque designed by Sinan. It is named for Rustem Pasha, Grand Vizier for--and son-in-law of--Suleiman the Magnificent, and was completed a few years after Süleymaniye was finished. Although Sinan constructed many, many mosques, this one is somewhat unique in its extensive use of Iznik tile, which was created in a town in the Anatolian region. The extensive use of the tiles mean it's much more ornately decorated than many of the other mosques he designed. Taking a few moments of silence here. Take in both the architecture with many of the same elements of other mosques you may have visited in Istanbul (or elsewhere), with the marked difference of the tiling throughout. The tile remains incredibly vibrant in color for being set almost half a millennia. If you manage to find it, it's certainly worth popping in for a few minutes.

Sure. You're a tourist. They told you to go to the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya, maybe to Yeni Cami…read more But this mosque needs to be on your list as well. It is probably one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, and the tiles--so historic and gorgeous--must be seen. Read up on tile work before you got, just so that you can appreciate the craftsmanship that went into this mosque's construction. Getting there is a bit difficult: you have to go through the Spice Bazaar, and then through the back entrance down a street, and up a couple stairs. Ask along the way--it's definitely worth the extra effort.

"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.

Unfortunately, it was not open at the time of arrival…read more For a small mosque, boasts 2 minarets has stunning architecture, and situated right on the Bosporus and 15 of July martyrs bridge. This Mosque is worth a visit just to see the architecture in views.

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.

Walking around Sarachane Park you'll encounter a most magnificent Ottoman Mosque and complex. The…read moreSehzade Cami located in the Fatih district, on the third hill of Istanbul. Suleiman the Magnificent commissioned the mosque to commemorate his favorite son Şehzade Mehmed, who died aged only 21. It is sometimes referred to as the 'Prince's Mosque'. Mehmed was the eldest of Sulayman's sons by his wife Hurrem, more commonly known as Roxelana. He was probably murdered, one of the oldest cold case files in history. The complex consists of the mausoleum of Prince Mehmed, two madrasahs, a public kitchen and a caravansarai. The prince's only daughter Hümaşah and his youngest brother Cihangir are also buried here. The Sehzade Mosque was the architect Sinan's first major imperial commission. He completed it in 1548 CE and is an amazing freshman effort. There's an especially nice courtyard and you can meet some nice cats here.

Known as "The Prince's Mosque" this central Mosque in Fatih pays homage to Şehzade Mehmed, son of…read moreSuleiman the Magnificent. Popular for prayer, but less frequented by tourists than others, the grounds are beautifully maintained and tranquil while signage in English allows visitors to learn the story. Heavy in marble with pink tones the complex also contains the mausoleum of Prince Mehmet.

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.