Most of the mosques in Istanbul were built between the 15th and 20th centuries, when it was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. However, there are also noteworthy mosques built during the Republic period.
In this article, I listed the most beautiful mosques of Istanbul from the eyes of a professional tour guide and tried to answer frequently asked questions about them.
Of course, those planning a trip to Istanbul are wondering about the visiting hours and entrance fees of mosques in Istanbul. In the list below you can find information about the 20 best mosques in Istanbul.
Since entrance to most mosques is free, I had to repeat the same things in most of the titles. However, although entrance is generally free, there are some situations that need to be mentioned.
In addition, visiting hours of mosques vary greatly throughout the year depending on the length of the day. I frequently update information about mosques in Istanbul in this article.
1. Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque is the most famous mosque in Istanbul due to its perfect location and blue tiles. Located in the heart of the Old City, the Blue Mosque is adjacent to the most important tourist attractions of Istanbul such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Blue Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Blue Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Blue Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Blue Mosque in 2024. However, you will hear an announcement saying “donations for the mosque” at the exit door of the mosque. If you wish, you can donate for the mosque to the officer at this kiosk.
2. Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia Mosque is essentially an Eastern Roman (Byzantine) structure built in the 6th century and is 1500 years old. Hagia Sophia, which has been a mosque since the 15th century, also served as a museum for a while.
Hagia Sophia Opening Hours 2024
Hagia Sophia opening hours are between 08:00 in the morning and 19:30 in the evening. It should be noted that these hours are for the upper floor galleries that are open to tourist visits. Muslim visitors can enter the ground floor throughout the day during all prayer times. This was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Hagia Sophia Entrance Fee 2024
Hagia Sophia entrance is free for Muslims who come to worship. However, there will be an entrance fee for those who come for touristic visits since January 15, 2024. Hagia Sophia entrance fee for touristic visits is 25 Euros as of 2024.
3. Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque was built for Suleiman the Magnificent, the most famous sultan of the Ottoman Empire. It is also worth noting that the architect who built the mosque was Sinan, the most famous builder in Turkish history.
Suleymaniye Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Suleymaniye Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Suleymaniye Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee for Suleymaniye Mosque in 2024. After visiting this largest mosque in Istanbul, you can leave any amount you deem appropriate in the donation box.
4. Fatih Mosque
Fatih Mosque was built for Mehmed II, the first Ottoman sultan to rule in Istanbul. This Ottoman ruler who conquered Constantinople is also known as Mehmed the Conqueror. Fatih Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul, rises on the foundations of the Church of the Holy Apostles, which was also a legendary building.
Fatih Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Fatih Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Fatih Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee for Fatih Mosque in 2024. However, you can leave a small amount of money in the donation box at the exit to show your gratitude. Donations are used for the daily expenses of the mosque.
5. Bayezid Mosque
Bayezid Mosque is a mosque dedicated to Bayezid II, son of Mehmed the Conqueror. The mosque, which is very close to the Grand Bazaar, is adjacent to Bayezid Square, one of the largest squares in Istanbul, and Istanbul University.
Bayezid Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Bayezid Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Bayezid Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Bayezid Mosque in 2024. You can make a reasonable donation after visiting this mosque, which is famous for its magnificent colorful columns in the courtyard.
6. Yavuz Selim Mosque
Yavuz Selim Mosque remains on the far side of Old Istanbul from Sultanahmet, but is very close to the Fener and Balat districts, which have become very popular in recent years. The mosque is dedicated to the sultan who tripled the borders of the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 16th century.
Yavuz Selim Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Yavuz Selim Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Yavuz Selim Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Yavuz Selim Mosque in 2024. You can make a donation you deem appropriate after visiting this mosque, which rises on one of the seven hills of Istanbul and is famous for its simplicity.
7. Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is located in the Edirnekapi district of Old Istanbul, close to the ancient city walls. Mihrimah was the daughter of Sultan Suleiman and his famous wife Hurrem Sultan. By the way, there is another mosque in Uskudar on the Asian Side, dedicated to Mihrimah Sultan.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in 2024. You can visit this elegant mosque, built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan, without paying any fee.
8. Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, like the original Hagia Sophia, is a Byzantine structure built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. The building was originally named Sergius and Bacchus Church and was renamed by the Ottomans after it was converted into a mosque in the 15th century.
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque in 2024. After visiting this unique building, which carries the common heritage of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, you can visit the handicrafts market in its courtyard.
9. Kariye Mosque
Kariye Mosque is essentially a monastery church from the Byzantine period and is a unique structure with the Byzantine mosaics on its walls. The building, originally named Chora Church, is definitely among the best Byzantine monuments in Istanbul.
Kariye Mosque (former Chora Church) has been closed since 2020 due to renovations, but has reopened to visitors as of May 7, 2024. Byzantine mosaics inside can be seen.
Kariye Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Kariye Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Kariye Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Kariye Mosque in 2024. After visiting the Kariye Mosque, you can also visit Tekfur Palace, another Byzantine building, within walking distance.
10. Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Nuruosmaniye Mosque is a wonderful 18th century structure adjacent to the Grand Bazaar. This mosque is one of the first Baroque style works at the time when traces of Westernization began to be seen in Ottoman architecture, and it attracts attention especially with its unique courtyard design.
Nuruosmaniye Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Nuruosmaniye Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Nuruosmaniye Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Nuruosmaniye Mosque in 2024. After visiting this elegant Ottoman work, you can leave a reasonable fee in the box where donations are collected for the mosque upon exit.
11. The New Mosque
The New Mosque was built by the sultan’s mother, “Valide Sultan” as she was traditionally known. Mehmed IV’s mother, Hatice Turhan Sultan, built this mosque in 1665 as a complex with the Spice Bazaar next to it and the tomb where she would be buried.
New Mosque Opening Hours 2024
New Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
New Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the New Mosque in 2024. You can visit this magnificent mosque, which shapes the silhouette of the Old City, for free and donate any amount you deem appropriate.
12. Sehzade Mosque
Sehzade Mosque is a building dedicated to the son of the famous Ottoman sultan, Sultan Suleiman, who died at an early age. Located in the heart of the Historical Peninsula and adjacent to the Valens Aqueduct dating back to the Roman period, this mosque is among the must-see places in Istanbul.
Sehzade Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Sehzade Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Sehzade Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Sehzade Mosque in 2024. Sehzade Mosque is also adjacent to the other 16th century work on our list, Suleymaniye Mosque. When you visit the Sehzade Mosque, look carefully at the magnificent stone carvings on its minarets, because this type of workmanship is not found in any other mosque in Istanbul.
13. Rustem Pasha Mosque
Rustem Pasha Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul, with its magnificent Iznik tiles from the 16th century. Blue tiles in this mosque cover all the walls and this is actually the real blue mosque in Istanbul.
Rustem Pasha Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Rustem Pasha Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Rustem Pasha Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Rustem Pasha Mosque in 2024. The officer who greets you at the entrance of the mosque is very friendly and helpful. You can help him by purchasing souvenirs or books sold at the exit.
14. Eyup Sultan Mosque
Eyup Sultan Mosque rises where it is believed to be the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, and is therefore the most sacred of the mosques in Istanbul.
Eyup Sultan Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Eyup Sultan Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Eyup Sultan Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Eyup Sultan Mosque in 2024. After visiting Eyup Sultan, one of the oldest mosques in Istanbul, you can take the cable car in this district on the shores of the Golden Horn and go up to Pierre Loti hill.
15. Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque was built in the 16th century for one of the famous admirals of Ottoman history. The admiral, who was originally Italian and whose name was Giovanni Dionigi Galeni (aka Occhiali), built this mosque as a small copy of Hagia Sophia.
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque in 2024. The Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque complex also has the Kilic Ali Pasha Hamami, which is among the best Turkish baths in Istanbul.
16. Nusretiye Mosque
Nusretiye Mosque was built by Mahmud II, who started the Westernization in the Ottoman Empire. For this reason, the influence of European architecture is clearly seen in the mosque. The mosque, which has Baroque and Neo-Classical details, is next to Galataport.
Nusretiye Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Nusretiye Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Nusretiye Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Nusretiye Mosque in 2024. After visiting the Nusretiye Mosque, you can also visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum in the cruise port (Galataport).
17. Dolmabahce Mosque
Dolmabahce Mosque was built for Bezmialem Valide Sultan, the mother of Abdulmejid, one of the most important Ottoman rulers of the 19th century. Today, this mosque is located in the heart of modern Istanbul and neighbors the Dolmabahce Palace.
Dolmabahce Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Dolmabahce Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Dolmabahce Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Dolmabahce Mosque in 2024. After visiting the mosque, you can visit the Dolmabahce Palace next to it. Both buildings are located in the most beautiful part of the Bosphorus.
18. Ortakoy Mosque
Ortakoy Mosque is among the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul with its elegant architecture and excellent location on the shores of the Bosphorus. Inside the mosque, there are the most beautiful examples of 19th century Ottoman decorative art, and there is a Bosphorus view from its windows.
Ortakoy Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Ortakoy Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Ortakoy Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Ortakoy Mosque in 2024. After visiting Ortakoy Mosque, you can do the walk from Ortakoy to Bebek, which I always recommend as one of the best things to do in Istanbul.
19. Beylerbeyi Mosque
Beylerbeyi Mosque is one of the rare Ottoman imperial mosques on the Asian side of Istanbul. The mosque was built together with Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the sultans, and has Baroque and Neo-Classical architectural styles.
Beylerbeyi Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Beylerbeyi Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Beylerbeyi Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Beylerbeyi Mosque in 2024. After visiting the mosque, you can go to Kuzguncuk, one of the most beautiful districts of the Asian Side.
20. Camlica Mosque
Camlica Mosque is the youngest among the large mosques of Istanbul. The recently built mosque is inspired by classical period Ottoman architecture and is one of the most distinctive works in the skyline of Istanbul’s Asian Side.
Camlica Mosque Opening Hours 2024
Camlica Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening in 2024. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. This information was last updated on May 15, 2024.
Camlica Mosque Entrance Fee 2024
There is no entrance fee to the Camlica Mosque in 2024. After visiting this mosque, you can wander around Camlica Hill and take wonderful panoramic photos of Istanbul.
Written by Serhat Engul
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Hello
Will Kariye Mosque be open next summer? It’s not very clear for me.
Same questions for Galata tower (but I’m afraid you will confirm it will still be closed) and for the Museum of Ancient Orient (which seems to be closed for renovation).
Thank you
Hello Olivier, no official statement has been made yet regarding the reopening of Kariye Mosque. It has been under renovation since 2020 and is said to be nearing completion. It is expected to open later this year.
Galata Tower restoration is still ongoing. Actually, it was going to be a short-term renovation, but it has been extended and I think it will remain closed for a few more months.
The Tiled Pavilion and Museum of Ancient Oriental Works sections of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums are still closed and I do not think they will open this year.
On the other hand, it would take hours to visit the parts of the archaeological museum that are currently open.