By Justin Mays:
Istanbul is known for hundreds of different things, but if there is something mythical, characteristic and symbolic of this city, it is its mosques. There are about 3,000 and they are perfectly integrated with the urban environments. They are places of worship, with spectacular architecture, which are always shown as essential silhouettes on any postcard of the metropolis.
Unlike what happens in other cities, Istanbul's mosques have free admission, so that anyone interested can visit their interior for free. If you are thinking of visiting one, you should bear in mind that it is necessary to wear appropriate clothing to access the mosques, which means that no one will be able to enter with short pants or bare shoulders. In addition, women must cover their heads. Oh! And no shoes inside.
If this is your case, we propose below five essential mosques that you have to visit in Istanbul. We have no doubt that you will be amazed by its interiors. Enjoy!
Blue Mosque
It is a spectacular mosque, capable of endearing anyone. And it is not surprising, since its interior houses about 20,000 blue tiles. These tiles, which at the time were brought from the city of Iznik, in the Turkish province of Bursa, are located on top of the dome, creating a beautiful mosaic.
Other of the charms of this mosque is its more than 200 stained glass windows and the dozens of chandeliers that hang from the ceiling. This is a mandatory stop for anyone traveling or residing in Istanbul. It is the typical experience that one remembers for the rest of his life.
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Originally, Hagia Sophia was built to be an Orthodox basilica. Later, it became a mosque and then a museum. However, on August 1, 2020, it was converted back into a mosque and has remained so for the past two years.
This mosque is located at the highest point of the metropolis, so it offers a privileged panoramic view of Istanbul. Its dome is about 30 meters in diameter and its interior has dimensions of about 70 square meters. It is almost impossible not to be captivated by the beauty and majesty of this monument.
Süleymaniye Mosque
This Fatih Mosque was built in 1550 by the architect Mimar Sinan, who presented this design as his largest construction. But the best thing about Süleymaniye is not only its size, but also that it stands out for its impressive central dome, which is about 47 meters high, and for its elegant interior, decorated in red and ocher tones.
New Mosque
The interior of this mosque is truly spectacular, as it is bathed in blue, gold and marble. The most special element of the New Mosque is the Íznit tiles that stain its walls with color, a special characteristic that distinguishes this monument from the others.
If you have the day off, do not hesitate to visit this mosque, and then explore the Eminönü area a bit, which has many other places of interest, such as the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, among others.
Ortaköy Mosque
Although the most beautiful thing about this place is the views from the outside, going inside the Ortaköy Mosque is an experience that you cannot miss. After the visit, you can also enter the Ortaköy neighborhood, where you can also see the Aya Fokas Greek Orthodox Church and the Etz-Ahayim Synagogue.
