I spent a month based in Istanbul, Türkiye, the cosmopolitan and bustling capital city that famously stretches across two continents, the only one in the world to do so. A unique city where many cultures collide, perhaps the most well-known and most-visited attractions of the city are the beautiful mosques which define the skyline, their round domes and pointed minarets stretching to the heavens, stark against the late summer skies.
There are many other wonderful things to see in Istanbul - check out my detailed guide to the city here, and also my vegan food guide for Istanbul.
But here I'd like to highlight the stunning architectural feats of the city and give you a quick summary of the three mosques in Istanbul that are well worth a visit. There are 3365 in Istanbul, so there's no way you can see them all, but there are a few key ones that should be on every traveler's list.
A few quick etiquette tips for visiting mosques: you must remove your shoes before you enter a mosque. You must be dressed appropriately; covering your knees and shoulders, and women must wear a scarf covering their head. Don't use flash and don't photograph during prayers.
All mosques are free to visit.
1. Hagia Sophia
Perhaps one of the most well-known attractions in the entire city is the Hagia Sophia, an icon on the horizon line in the heart of the Fatih neighbourhood. Originally built by Roman emperor Justinian I as the Christian cathedral of Constantinople between 532 and 537 and, at the time of its construction, it was the largest interior space in the world and the world's largest cathedral until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520. It was converted to a mosque in 1453 after the fall of Constantinople and underwent physical changes to reflect this. The mosque closed in 1931 and was reopened in 1935 as a museum and is now one of the country's most visited tourist attractions. In 2020, the Council of State decided it was no longer a museum but once again a mosque as it was the personal property of the Sultan Mehmed, a decision which was condemned by many, including UNESCO and international leaders.
Sunrise at the Hagia Sophia
The exquisite interiors
The best view of Hagia Sophia is from Seven Hills Restaurant
2. Blue Mosque
While the interiors of this mosque were the least impressive to me, perhaps because much of it was under construction and with the crowds of people it was hard to enjoy the space, however the exteriors of this mosque are stunning. Officially also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Ottoman-era mosque was built from 1609-1616 by Ahmed I, who lies in permanent rest here. The mosque, true to its name, is covered in blue tiles and is lit up in blue lighting in the evenings.
3. SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE
Of all the mosques I visited in Istanbul, this one was my favourite. Set a little bit further out of the main touristy part of Fatih, fewer people visit here making it a relatively calm and peaceful place to visit. The interiors are also much bigger than the Blue Mosque, so you can visit without feeling like you're stepping on toes, and can enjoy the sweeping domes. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, the mosque was opened in 1557 and was the largest in Istanbul until 2019. This mosque is also the one best seen from the Golden Horn inlet, sitting prominently on Third Hill. I suggest walking across the Golden Horn Bridge and Galata Bridge in the evening to watch the sunset and twilight over this beautiful view.
Süleymaniye Mosque from Galata Bridge
4. Ortaköy Mosque
A bit further out of the main city, up along the Bosphorous in the neighbourhood of Ortaköy (where you can also buy the city's best kumpir or stuffed Turkish potatoes). Situated right on the river, it's a very popular sunset viewing spot as the golden light bounces off the water and the tall walls of the mosque. The mosque was commissioned by the Ottoman sultan Abdülmecid I, completed in 1856. You can get here by tram and then a walk along the river; it's also visible from any Bosphorous cruise as it's right next to the famous 15th of July Martyrs Bridge.
CHECK OUT MY VLOG OF ISTANBUL HERE!
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
