A Traveller’s Guide to Istanbul Mosques and the Stories They Tell

When the morning light illuminates the Bosphorus and Istanbul comes alive, Ortaköy Mosque takes centre stage. Its ornate facade catches the glow of the water, as the bridge arcs gracefully behind it. Few scenes capture the spirit of mosques in Istanbul better than this. It's no wonder Ortaköy is one of the most Instagrammed mosques in the city.

But Ortaköy is just one of Istanbul’s many mosques that do more than dazzle in photos – they’re living monuments etched into the city’s history and character.

Today, each structure adds a unique layer to Istanbul’s rich identity, reflecting its Byzantine origins, Ottoman grandeur, and modern influences.

For many travellers from around the world, Istanbul's mosques are alluring because they provide cultural context and a deeper understanding of the city’s spiritual pulse.

It’s important to note that Istanbul didn’t just wake up one day full of grandeur. Its architectural glow-up began long ago. The Byzantine Empire set the stage with colossal monuments and places of worship like the Hagia Sophia, which was completed in 537 and is still considered a marvel for archaeologists and architects to this day. Its bold, ambitious dome and attention to detail would later influence the architectural language of the region.

Over the centuries, Hagia Sophia became the template for a new era of mosque architecture defined by expansive courtyards, cascading domes, and soaring minarets. Visionaries like the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan elevated this approach, introducing graceful designs and engineering innovations that continue to define Istanbul’s skyline to this day. Sinan, in fact, is behind several iconic Ottoman masterpieces across the city, including the Hürrem Sultan Hamam near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

As you walk past these spiritual centres and their adjacent courtyards or Turkish baths, you’ll soon discover that Istanbul’s mosques reflect a timeline of creativity, as well as spiritual and cultural evolution. From the gently weathered stones of Süleymaniye to the gleaming expanses of the Grand Çamlıca Mosque, the city’s sacred spaces are a constant show of legacy.

It’s only fitting to start off with the Hagia Sophia, since it’s truly one of the most magnificent Istanbul mosques.

It also remains one of the world’s most remarkable and mysterious architectural masterpieces. Once a church, then a mosque, later a museum, and now a mosque again, it’s a captivating destination sought by travellers and history lovers alike.

Its vast dome carries an energy that speaks across centuries. It survived significant fires, several earthquakes, and looting during the Fourth Crusade. But after several renovations and restorations, it still stands to this day and is as striking as ever.

Here, mosaics, arches, and calligraphic panels reflect the mosque’s layered past and present, where centuries of history and faith meet.

In Hagia Sophia, you can still see ancient Byzantine mosaics of the Virgin Mary standing beside radiant Islamic calligraphy praising the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).

Though the Virgin Mary is a revered figure in Islam, images of people are generally not part of traditional Islamic design, unlike calligraphy. Yet, a few of these remarkable Christian mosaics remain, and are said to be covered during Islamic prayer but are revealed to visitors outside of prayer times.

Right next to the Hagia Sophia, you’ll find the radiant Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. While it hasn’t endured nearly as many calamities as the Hagia Sophia, it’s seen its fair share of fires, earthquakes, and a series of unfortunate events.

Recognised worldwide for its six magnificent minarets and cascading domes, the Blue Mosque stands as one of many icons in Istanbul. It gets its name from the floral, hand-painted İznik tiles that decorate the mosque with beautiful shades of azure and emerald.

The Süleymaniye Mosque is just a 25-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. If you decide to go there on foot, you’ll have more time to marvel at beautiful historical buildings and local shops along the way.

Perched high above the Golden Horn, the Süleymaniye Mosque and its sprawling complex – including its historic hammam – were designed by none other than Mimar Sinan.

Sunlight fills the mosque's interior in a way that's carefully calculated, highlighting arches and domes that meet harmoniously. Its majestic gardens and courtyards also offer peaceful vantage points throughout the city.

There’s much to be said about the gentle elegance of Ortaköy Mosque. Perched right at the water’s edge on the European side of the city, this Istanbul mosque has a cinematic beauty about it.

You’ll often see seagulls circling overhead, and waves leaping onto the promenade only to drench unsuspecting photographers as they try to capture its beauty.

Inside, you’ll find elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, Islamic calligraphy gracing the walls, and tall glass windows. It’s worth visiting inside the mosque to witness how the Bosphorus light spills across the delicate carvings in this 19th century architectural masterpiece.

Like most of Istanbul’s mosques, it’s still used for prayer to this day, so just be mindful of prayer times. Keep reading – we’ll dive deeper into the cultural cues for visiting Istanbul mosques shortly.

Nestled away from the tourist bustle near the Golden Horn, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque is a pilgrimage in both meaning and atmosphere. Here lies the tomb of Eyüp Sultan, who died during the first Arab siege of Constantinople while serving on the front lines – making him a martyr in Islamic tradition.

Eyüp Sultan, an Arab and one of the Prophet Mohammad’s closest early companions, holds a special place in Islamic history and in the hearts of pilgrims visiting Istanbul. That’s why visiting this mosque feels like stepping into a quieter, profoundly spiritual corner of Istanbul.

Grand Çamlıca Mosque is a modern addition to Istanbul’s skyline. Completed in 2019, the mosque is currently the largest in Turkey and a bold example of contemporary sacred architecture.

Sitting atop Çamlıca Hill on the Asian side, it features expansive prayer halls, cultural spaces, a museum, and terrace views that reveal the full sweep of Istanbul’s topography.

Its six minarets also make it easy to spot from just about anywhere in the city. The white exterior with silver blue domes feels bright and open, shifting subtly with the changing light. Inside, you’ll find that pale marble, wide windows and simple calligraphy keep the space airy and calm, offering a contemporary Ottoman take on a traditional place of worship.

While Istanbul’s famed mosques are essential to understanding the city’s past and present, there are also quieter, soulful places of worship tucked away from the main tourist routes. Rüstem Paşa Mosque is one of those places, and it’s a treasure trove of blue İznik tilework.

The interior glows with intricate patterns in deep reds, cobalt, and turquoise, showcasing some of the city’s finest ceramic artistry. Its smaller scale creates an intimate atmosphere ideal for quiet reflection.

It’s also not difficult to find; it sits above the lively market streets of Tahtakale, just steps from the famous Spice Bazaar in Istanbul’s historic Fatih district.

Located near Aksaray, this 19th-century mosque blends Ottoman tradition with Gothic and Indian influences – creating a unique architectural fusion not to be missed. The exterior is a canvas of decorative stonework and eclectic motifs, while the interior is richly painted and textural. It’s an unexpected experience for travellers exploring beyond the usual routes.

Kariye Mosque, originally a Byzantine church, sits in the quiet Edirnekapı district and is famed for its exquisite frescoes and mosaics. Smaller than Istanbul’s grander landmarks but every bit as beautiful, it offers a peaceful, intimate way to explore the city’s layered spiritual history.

The building was converted back to a functioning mosque in 2020, with reopening for worship completed in 2024. It still retains its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics and frescoes for visitors to admire.

To ensure your visit to any mosque in Istanbul goes smoothly, remember that modest clothing is appreciated. That means covering arms and legs for both men and women, while ladies should cover their hair with a hijab or scarf. Most major mosques in the city offer scarves to ensure visitors feel comfortable and included, but it's recommended to bring your own.

Also, shoes are removed before entering, a small gesture that adds to the atmosphere of quiet and respect. Inside, the energy transforms from Istanbul’s buzzing streets to a space of stillness and quiet. That means if you need to speak, do so softly with a whisper, make sure your phone is silenced, and move with ease.

All of these small gestures help maintain the calm that both worshippers and visitors value. Photography is generally allowed, but observe the space first to make sure that snapping pictures feels natural rather than intrusive. As mosques close briefly during the five daily prayers, checking prayer times can help you plan smoothly.

Many of Istanbul's mosques are in central locations – such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Süleymaniye. They're all conveniently clustered in Sultanahmet. Others, like Ortaköy or Çamlıca, are easily reached by taxi, ferry, or tram.

Travellers wanting quick access to major monuments and scenic neighbourhoods often choose to stay near Sultanahmet or along the Bosphorus.

To plan a stay close to many of the key Istanbul mosques and major sights, explore nearby accommodation at Accor hotels in Istanbul, where a diverse range of options lets you choose the experience that best suits your mood and taste.

The main Istanbul mosques include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, and Ortaköy Mosque. These sites reflect the city’s architectural evolution from Byzantine to Ottoman traditions. Modern additions like the Grand Çamlıca Mosque also play an important role in shaping the skyline.

Yes. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome in most Istanbul mosques outside prayer times, and entry is typically free. As long as travellers dress modestly and move respectfully, they are encouraged to explore and appreciate the architecture and cultural significance of these sacred spaces.

Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Ortaköy Mosque and Süleymaniye Mosque are standout examples. Hagia Sophia showcases layered history, the Blue Mosque is famed for its İznik tiles, Ortaköy Mosque pairs elegant architecture with a striking waterfront setting, and Süleymaniye blends serene gardens with masterful Ottoman engineering. For more ideas on what to see and do in the city, have a look at our curated guide.