Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Enchanting mosque
- Richly colored İznik tiles, inside and out
Time required: 30 minutes
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Daily: | Dawn - Dusk |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | Free |
Public transport:
- Tram Line T1: Eminönü stop
Address: Hasircilar Carsisi-Eminonü, Istanbul
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: cercamon
Things you need to know:
- Rüstem Pasha Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul's Eminönü quarter
- It was built in 1561-63 by Princess Mihrimah in memory of her husband, Rüstem Pasha. Princess Mihrimah was the daughter of Süleyman the Magnificent
- Rüstem Pasha was an Ottoman General and statesman. He was Süleyman's Grand Vizier (greatest minister of the Sultan with absolute power of attorney)
- This mosque is famous for the lavish use of Iznik tiles. Large quantity of tiles decorates its walls with a wide variety of geometrical and pretty floral patterns
- The beautiful potted plants in the courtyard make the place especially enchanting
- The row of workshops below the mosque was built up to help finance the construction of the temple
- The architect was Ottoman imperial architect, Mimar Sinan. Like many other mosques, its design was inspired by Hagia Sophia
What to do there:
- Admire the enchanting mosque from the outside
- Remove your shoes before entering. Put them on a shelf provided
- Enjoy the impressive interior decorated with the famous blue Iznik tiles
Tips & Insights:
- Modest dress is required both for women and men
- It is considered polite for a woman to cover her head when entering a mosque. We recommend bringing your own scarf
- The mosque is impressively illuminated in the evening
