Top 5 Famous Mosques in Turkey

History, Location & Architecture

23 5 minutes read

Turkey has some of the most stunning mosques in the world. Many were constructed during the Ottoman era and are a great example of Islamic art and architecture throughout the centuries.

If visiting Turkey, there are five mosques that are highly significant to know about.

Table of Contents

1. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Built: 1609-1616
Commissioned by: Sultan Ahmed I
Architect: Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa
Also known as: Sultanahmet Camii / Blue Mosque
Architectural style: Classical Ottoman

One of the most famous mosques in Turkey is the Blue Mosque. It is also one of the most recognisable buildings in Istanbul. The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and constructed between 1609 and 1616.

The Blue Mosque is notable for its large central dome and beautiful interior. Its six elegant minarets are also one of the reasons it is so well known.

The mosque’s blue, white and turquoise İznik tiles have given it the nickname Blue Mosque.

The mosque is located close to Hagia Sophia in the historic Sultanahmet district. This is convenient for seeing both the mosque and Hagia Sophia in one day.

Inside the mosque there is a large prayer hall with detailed Ottoman interior decoration and calligraphy. There are also large windows throughout the prayer hall.

The impressive architecture of the mosque is due to the large central dome, smaller domes and the six tall minarets.

The Blue Mosque remains an active mosque. Visitors should dress modestly and be respectful of the worshippers and prayer times. The mosque is also located within the Historic Areas of Istanbul which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why Visit?

6 stunning minarets
Gorgeous İznik tilework
Classic Ottoman style
Big central dome
Close to Hagia Sophia
In the old city of Istanbul
Part of Ottoman history
Free entry into the mosque, depending on prayer and visitors

2. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Built: 532-537 AD
Commissioned by: Byzantine Emperor Justinian I
Architects: Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus
Current status: Mosque
Architectural style: Byzantine with Ottoman additions

Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous and historic places of worship in Turkey. The current building was completed in 537 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was originally a Byzantine cathedral.

Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque following the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman’s in 1453. The mosque later became a museum and has since been reopened as a mosque again in 2020.

Hagia Sophia is renowned for its huge central dome, stunning interior spaces, Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman additions. Throughout its history, it has witnessed various empires and cultures shaping Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia sits directly opposite the Blue Mosque which means both can easily be visited on the same trip. It is also within the Historic Areas of Istanbul, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why Visit?

Huge historic dome
Over 1500 years of history
Byzantine mosaics and architecture
Islamic and Ottoman elements
Opposite the Blue Mosque
One of the most important buildings in Istanbul
Has UNESCO World Heritage status

3. Süleymaniye Mosque

Location: Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Built: 1550-1557
Commissioned by: Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent
Architect: Mimar Sinan
Architectural style: Classical Ottoman

The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the finest displays of classical Ottoman architecture to be found in Istanbul. The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and was designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan. Building started in 1550 and the mosque was completed in 1557.

Situated on a hill in Istanbul, the mosque offers views of the city and the Golden Horn. With its elegant minarets, balanced proportions and large central dome, it is one of the most recognisable Ottoman buildings in Istanbul.

This mosque is part of a large külliye (social complex). Within this complex there were community, religious and educational buildings. This is typical of many Ottoman mosques as they were not only used for prayer.

The interior features elegant yet simplistic features including traditional Ottoman calligraphy, and carefully designed windows allowing natural light into the prayer space.

Why Visit?

Built by Mimar Sinan
Classic Ottoman architecture
Large central dome
Part of a large historic social and religious complex
Offers stunning views of Istanbul
Peaceful area away from some busy tourist attractions
Part of Ottoman history

4. Selimiye Mosque

Location: Edirne, Turkey
Built: 1568-1575
Commissioned by: Sultan Selim II
Architect: Mimar Sinan
Architectural style: Classical Ottoman

The Selimiye Mosque is one of the most important mosques in Turkey outside Istanbul and is also an outstanding example of Ottoman architecture.

The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Selim II and designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Construction began in 1568 and the building was completed in 1575.

It has a large central dome and four tall minarets which are prominent features in the landscape of Edirne. The interior features beautiful Ottoman arabesque, calligraphy and intricate tilework.

Selimiye was one of Mimar Sinan’s most important works. In addition to the mosque itself, a complex of community, religious and educational buildings was constructed alongside it.

The Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 for its cultural and architectural significance.

Why Visit?

Masterpiece of Mimar Sinan
Huge central dome
Four tall minarets
Beautiful Ottoman tilework
Rich Islamic art and calligraphy
Important Ottoman history
UNESCO World Heritage Site

5. Çamlıca Mosque

Located in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey. Constructed between 2013 and 2019 and opened in 2019. The architectural style is Modern Turkish with Ottoman influences. Designed by architects Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu. The mosque can accommodate approximately 63,000 worshippers.

The Çamlıca Mosque is one of the most remarkable modern mosques in Turkey. Unlike previous Ottoman mosques, this mosque was constructed in the 21st century but incorporates design elements from Ottoman mosques.

This mosque is located on Istanbul’s Asian side at Çamlıca Hill. There are magnificent views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the mosque. The impressive size, large central dome and six minarets make this a prominent building in modern day Istanbul.

This mosque has been under construction since 2013 and opened in 2019. In addition to the mosque itself, there are also exhibition, educational and cultural spaces within the complex.

Why Visit?

Modern Ottoman style architecture
Six tall minarets
Panoramic views of Istanbul
Large central dome
One of the largest mosques in Turkey
Interesting example of modern Islamic architecture

Tip: Sunset is a great time to visit as there are beautiful views of Istanbul. However, please check on the current visiting and prayer arrangements prior to visiting.

Conclusion

Turkey possesses some of the most impressive mosques in the world. They vary in history, architectural design and cultural significance. Istanbul features the famous Blue Mosque and the historic Hagia Sophia whilst the stunning Selimiye Mosque can be found in Edirne. All of these structures showcase Turkey’s vast history.

If you are planning to visit Turkey these famous mosques can be a great addition to your trip. Prior to visiting research prayer times and follow any local guidelines. When inside an operational mosque please dress appropriately.