Do you know how many mosques are there in Istanbul?
Over 3000
Of course not all are crazy monumental, but that means honestly there are many beautiful mosques to see.
Here you can find a few of the prettiest and most popular mosques of Istanbul in my opinion: Süleymaniye Mosque
Sultanahmet Camii (so called Blue Mosque)
Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, shows its deep-rooted past and magnificence as a pricey bracelet of unique architectural frameworks. The most significant representations of Ottoman art, prosperity and esthetics can be seen in the mosques, each of which brings people on a spiritual path with its elegance.First mosques of Istanbul were the ones converted from churches after Ottoman invasion. Through this way the desires of the Muslims were addressed in the short term. But the need of the mosque that was founded with the rise of the Muslim community contributed to the appearance of the Ottoman architecture’s most glorious works.
Eyüp Sultan Camii (so called Abu Ayyub al-Ansari Mosque)
Eyup Sultan Mosque, one of the most visited mosques of Istanbul, is in Haliç (Golden Horn). Muslims consider Hz. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari as the flag-bearer of Prophet Muhammad. He was martyred during the siege of Istanbul in the 7th century and buried here around mosque's area. The mosque was built next to Eyup’s tomb in 1458 with the order of Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conquerer).Tens of thousands of people visit the mosque which had hosted the sword-worning ceremony of many Ottoman sultans, notably Mehmet II.
Ortaköy Mosque
On the shores of the Bosphorus, Büyük Mecidiye Mosque is known as the Ortaköy Mosque, because of its location in Ortaköy Square. The mosque, near to the Bosphorus Bridge’s European leg, forms a background to one of Istanbul’s most stunning views, with its tiny yet elegant and classy look.Sultan Abdulmecid had NigoÄŸos Balyan and Garabet Amira Balyan build the mosque in Neo-Baroque style in 1853. With its extraordinary gigantic windows it has a magnificent appearance and the colorful lights of the Bosphorus illuminate inside.
Fatih Mosque
This is the first mosque of Istanbul which was built by an Ottoman sultan; Mehmed II. It’s a complex building with a school, hospital, caravansary, library and Turkish bath.The mosque, built on the 4th hill of Istanbul where the Byzantine Emperors’ tombs were built, was designed as one of the greatest signs to show that Ottoman era started in Constantinople.
Unfortunately the mosque we see today is not the one Mehmed II built. Original building collapsed in 1766 earthquake and the restoration was over in 1771.
Eminönü Mosque
Even though it's 400 years old just because the mosque was built after Süleymaniye and Blue Mosque, it’s called New Mosque. It's one of the most popular mosques of Istanbul, with its location next to Spica Market and pigeons in front. To those on their way to Eminönü or Spice Market it has become a tradition to throw feed at the birds in front of the New Mosque.Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Everyone visiting CemberlitaÅŸ Column or entering Grand Bazaar from Gate 1 would recognize this mosque. Though it’s a little bit smaller compared to others, it’s still one of a must-see mosques in Istanbul with its elegance and eye-catching stained-glass windows.By the way I suppose I don't really need to mention that these mosques are highly busy everyday especially during prayers times. And you need proper clothing to visit them inside. Ladies need scarves and mini shorts are not really okey for men or women.