Turkey’s land presents a fusion of European and Asian cultures, where Islam is celebrated with its modernity and innovative approaches. The country’s Islamic heritage is heavily influenced by the Ottoman Empire, which ruled this region for decades and left dark impacts on its civilization. Islam is the longest-standing religion, and the country’s rich architectural mosques prove it. The tombs of sufis, scholars, and revered Islamic personalities and madrasas for practicing Islamic teachings represent Islam’s dominancy.
The Ottoman rulers’ practices left a lasting impact on Turkish current Islam and religious practices by constructing architectural marvels in the main cities like Istanbul. Mosques have prominent value in Turkish culture, showcasing the Ottoman peak and describing Islam’s legacy. These mosques are local worship places, pilgrimage sites for visitors, and spacious spaces for Muslims to celebrate their festivals. Here is a list of 30 must-visit mosques to learn about Islamic culture and Turkish legacy.
Istanbul Mosques
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Sultanahmet
This mosque is a historical and monumental place to visit, where architectural perfection and engineering techniques will surprise you. Originally, the building was constructed in 537 AD by the Byzantine Empire; later, Ottomans transformed the cathedral into an Islamic mosque. The mosque is famous for its spellbound architecture; a massive dome is the noticeable addition of Ottomans, making the visiting place attractive from a distance. Muslim calligraphy with Allah and Prophet names, floral motifs on walls, and tall minarets uniquely combine Islamic and Byzantine architecture. The design of the building is created masterly, allowing a flood of light at sunrise and sunset when the mosque presents its most enchanting canvas.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Sultanahmet
The masterpiece of Ottoman architecture was inaugurated in 1616 when Islamic civilization emerged with old traditions. The six minarets of this mosque are distinctive from other buildings and give a majestic look to the overall structure. Thousands of blue ceramic tiles were used in the construction, with attractive floral and geometric patterns. The spacious prayer hall can accommodate thousands of worshippers, while glass windows allow natural light’s reflection, creating a peaceful environment to offer prayers. Quran verses and Allah’s names enhance the attraction of the walls and dome.
- Süleymaniye Mosque, Eminönü
Mimar Sinan designed the architecture of this mosque at the peak of his career and made a stand-out building with his expertise. The four surrounding minarets have three stories, making their visual beauty more impactful. Iznik blue, green, and white ceramic tiles best represent Ottoman artistry. The surrounding walls and prayer hall’s ceiling are decorated with Arabic calligraphy, describing Quran Verses impressively. Lush green gardens with water fountains enhance the peace and offer a tranquil environment for visitors. The strategic location of the mosque at the hilltop offers breathtaking vistas to capture with cameras.
- Yeni Mosque (New Mosque), Eminönü
This architectural marvel is a fusion of classical Islamic features and European Baroque architectural beauty in which four large pillars support a grand central dome. Its location on the right side of Golden Horn allows charming views to capture and spend time in nature’s company. Vibrant street life, bustling markets, and nearby public transportation make this mosque accessible to everyone. The interior design of Yeni Mosque features red, green, and blue tiles; smaller domes and hanging large chandeliers surround the central dome, adding additional beauty with a warm and soft glow. The mosque has an active place of worship in the lives of locals who offer their prayers and celebrate cultural festivals in a beautiful ambiance.
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Eyüp
This worship place is significant for Muslims; the architectural brilliance, rich history, and pilgrims’ love for this mosque make it stand out among others. They consider this place revered for having a burial place of Eyüp al-Ansari, a devoted companion of Hazrat Muhammad. Thousands of pilgrims visit the tomb on religious holidays or during cultural celebrations. Ottoman classical style is the primary theme of this construction, adding domes, minarets, courtyards, and arches. The large central d9me is decorated with floral arrangements and geometrical drawings, and the qibla wall and mihrab are specially decorated with iznik tiles. Overall, the mosque perfectly reflects Ottoman grandeur and is a perfect prayer place.
- Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Tahtakale
The size of this mosque is smaller than other pilgrimage constructions in Istanbul. Compact yet efficiently utilized space enhances the architectural beauty of this place. The rectangular-shaped prayer hall is covered with a central dome, adding an elegant beauty by Mimar Sinan, who designed most of Ottoman time’s mosques. Colorful decoration on tiles and delicate craftsmanship over them leaves visitors awe-inspiring. The minbar and mihrab of this worship place are crafted with woodwork, and the spacious prayer hall has facilities to offer prayer in a subtle, warm place. This mosque has no larger courtyard, but small enclosed places present an urban construction style.
- Şehzade Mosque, Fatih
Another marvel achievement of Sinan is a grand dome and semi-domes representing the Ottoman class. The larger and well-lighted prayer hall presents a sense of openness. This mosque is a fusion of traditional Islamic architecture, adding modern materials and innovative design to provide timeless beauty. The windows, doors, and arches are decorated with exclusive stone carvings. The extensive courtyard and portico with long arches welcome the visitors in a grandeur style. The tomb of Şehzade Mehmet is a focal point for visitors and an important aspect of the mosque, which has mausoleums of the royal family and is elegantly designed by an architect. Symmetrical design and artistic tilework are unique features that can be used to witness the historical art of architects.
- Fatih Mosque, Fatih
The original architecture of this mosque was designed in the late 15th century, and Sinan added his Ottoman expertise in the 16th century. The size and scale of this building, with its extended courtyard, make it prominent in Istanbul’s skyline. The whole design presents symbolic harmony by balancing the dome and surrounding structures. Sultan Mehmed II, who has a magnificent history, is buried in a mosque complex, and his mausoleum showcases the building’s historical importance. Quran verses and floral motifs are noticeable in interior decoration; the iznik tiles enhance the overall beauty and are installed in different colors and patterns. The mosque’s minarets have spiral staircases to make them functional and allow clear visibility of surrounding vistas.
- Ortaköy Mosque, Ortaköy
A British architect, James William Wild, utilized his expertise in designing this mosque, presenting the best fusion of Baroque and Neoclassical construction styles. Its West and Ottoman combined features make it a popular place to visit and capture its beauty with cameras. The grand arches and tall windows with extensive decoration have European influence, whereas domes and semi-domes reflect Ottoman elements. The golden and deep red color scheme applied in interior decoration and technically light interplay creates a warmth and opulent atmosphere for worshippers.
Mosques in Bursa
- Bursa Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), Osmangazi
Traditional Seljuk and emerging Ottoman construction styles are the primary influences for designing the Bursa Mosque. Its inauguration was held in 1399, which made the mosque active for regular prayers with Friday offerings and cultural celebrations. The mosque serves as a center to arrange public services, gatherings, and educational programs for locals. This UNESCO World Heritage site has a beautifully crafted interior to describe Ottoma’s power and art. The grand columns, arches, domes, decoration, and historical influence make it an ideal place for worship and pilgrimage to get a satisfying spiritual experience.
- Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami), Yıldırım
This mosque’s cultural heritage and constructional beauty are transformed from Seljuk to emerging Ottoman features. The green-colored Iznik tiles have floral patterns, and the minbar is decorated with artistic inscriptions. This famous tourist destination has lush green gardens with colorful blooming flowers; the unique blend of architectural perfection with a natural, serene environment gives visitors a peaceful escape. The mausoleum of Sultan Mahmed I and the explicit beauty of the mosque provide a detailed overview of its cultural importance.
Read About Famous Mosque in Madinah
- Emir Sultan Mosque, Yıldırım
The historical landmark is a captivating gem for visitors who came here to capture the old Ottoman architectural beauty. The intricacy of tile work, magnificent arches, and beautifully crafted courtyard invite worldwide visitors to explore the regional heritage. The peaceful environment, explorative interior, and attractive calligraphy and inscriptions of Quran verses explain the glorious times of the past Empire. The lush green gardens and unique experience of Bursa culture leave an everlasting impact on visitors. A guiding tour of this mosque will disclose the hidden past stories and empower for more exploration.
Mosques in Konya
- Mevlana Museum (Mevlana Türbesi), Karatay
This historical attraction is significant due to the resting place of Rumi, who devoted his whole life to serving Islam and introduced new meanings of Sufism. His Sufism teachings greatly transformed the locals’ ideology and inspired the world. The stunning buildings in the museum describe the architectural brilliance of historical architecture; Rumi’s mausoleum is the focal point for every devotee. The tomb’s interior is decorated with calligraphy art, and special tiles are fixed artistically. The main attraction of the environment is the whirling dervish dance performed by local performers, attracting visitors to witness the sacred dance ritual.
Read About Famous Mosque in Makkah
- Alaeddin Mosque, Karatay
This prestigious visiting place is a perfect canvas to witness the fusion of Seljuk construction style and traditional Islamic art. The magnificent building offers a spiritual experience and is ideal for history beasts, scholars, and common visitors. The mosque is situated in the city’s center and is a special attraction for everyone as being an integral part of the royal palace. Its close establishment near Rumi’s Tomb is also a major attraction factor. The trend of engaging in local customs and the attractive architectural beauty of the mosque attracts everyone.
Mosques in Edirne
- Selimiye Mosque, Edirne Center
It is a monumental mosque built in 1575 during the Ottoman Empire, and the entire architecture is a masterpiece. Its location on the hilltop adds beauty to the city’s skyline and attracts visitors to explore its history with expert construction. The main structure of the mosque consists of 18 small domes, and a large single dome dominates the surrounding ones. The entire mosque complex and adjacent buildings are designated in the UNESCO list for their enriching heritage and cultural importance. Cut stones and marble are the primary constructive materials in this historical building, and Iznik tiles are used in interior decoration.
- Old Mosque (Eski Cami), Edirne Center
The distinguished feature of Eski Cami is its simplicity, which makes it different from other adorned mosques of Ottoman architecture. The main construction theme of this mosque is the old Ottoman style, which has a large dome surrounded by massive arches and pillars. Calligraphy and floral motifs with geometric patterns fulfill the purpose of decoration, and carved stone is the primary material in the mihrab. The interaction of light with the colorful interior creates a magical atmosphere to offer a prayer or spend time capturing its beauty.
- Üç Şerefeli Mosque, Edirne Center
This Ottoman creation’s unique and stand-out features are three-balcony minarets, artistic work, engineering techniques, and a vast prayer hall. Its light-filled interior and balance of functionality with beauty elements make this mosque a must-visit place. It is a gem for history buffs, art lovers, and those who want to learn and enhance their knowledge about old Ottoman practices.
Mosques in Ankara
- Kocatepe Mosque, Çankaya
This mosque is another perfect example to explore the fusion of old traditional construction influenced by modernity. It covers the largest area, and its distinguished feature is a spacious courtyard that can accommodate more than 20,000 worshippers. Four minarets surround the mosque’s central dome; the entire building is created by blending Seljuk and Ottoman elements with the latest approaches. The worship place is not limited to its convention functions but serves as a cultural center, community events venue, and library for locals.
- Hacı Bayram Mosque, Altındağ
This spiritual landmark attracts visitors because of its architectural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Hacı Bayram-ı Veli’s tomb is also in the mosque’s complex. From its building to the present day, the place has been a central place for worshippers, adding cultural value to its importance. The elegant courtyard, with its all-colonade arches, provides a perfect ambiance to offer prayers, and its surrounding structures have intricate floral designs to explore the artistic work. It provides a vast space for celebrating cultural festivals and occasions with the community. Visitors came here to escape from the mosque’s tranquility.
Mosques in Izmir
- Hisar Mosque, Konak
The city’s monumental testament explains its rich history and cultural diversity. Several restoration periods disturbed the beauty of this mosque, yet it has the same grandeur and majesty by successfully passing all downs and falls. Its ideal location in the district’s bustling market makes it accessible for all visitors, and the serene ambiance allows one to enjoy meditation in a peaceful setting. The interior beauty and hand-painted tiles with a blue and white combination create a renowned attraction for everyone.
- Yalı Mosque, Konak
The construction style of Yali is classical Ottoman, with a single dome and minaret. This mosque’s octagonal shape and cut stonework distinguish it from other architectural monuments. Glazed tile instead of Iznik also makes it stand out among others. The outer setting is compact but charming, presenting a perfect view blending the surrounding landscapes. Its strategic location in an easy-to-access area makes it more prominent for visitors. The blend of old and new styles offers a unique spiritual experience for visitors to explore historical stories.
Mosques in Other Regions
- Sabancı Central Mosque, Adana
This country’s largest mosque can accommodate more than 2500 worshippers, and its architectural beauty attracts everyone to explore the unique features of the place. The surrounding courtyard of the prayer hall and stunning interior design have impressive displays for visitors. The tile work, calligraphy, heightened minarets, and massive central dome must explore the mosque’s features in a tranquil environment.
- İshak Pasha Palace Mosque, Doğubayazıt, Ağrı
The mosque’s stunning location at the hilltop allows visitors to capture the surrounding beauty. The natural beauty of Mount Ararat and regional lush green landscapes enhance the spiritual experience. The mosque is equally attractive for visitors and worshippers who want to enjoy nature’s company. Visitors can comprehensively explore the architectural marvels in the mosque by guiding tours and following the instructional signs.
- Mardin Grand Mosque, Mardin
Architectural art is the utmost reason to visit Mardin Mosques, as there are stone cravings and attractive arches. The mosque’s strategic location at the city’s highest point invites visitors to explore the beautiful vistas. The majestic beauty of the mosque showcases the multicultural identity for explorers by blending diverse styles. The interior work is appreciated because calligraphy and decorative elements give an exceptional spiritual experience.
- Behramkale Mosque, Behramkale, Çanakkale
The mosque is located in a village, connecting its visitors with the old Hellenistic era when mosques were built with Roman and Ottoman influence. This historical landmark presents a memorable fusion of Byzantine and Islamic architecture worth visiting in the serene surroundings. The hilltop location offers a breathtaking view that cameras can capture. The mosque is equally attractive to those who want to explore Turkish history or simply want an escape to a peaceful location.
- Eski Mosque, Erzurum
The historical significance of building the mosque in the 12th century makes it an ideal place for history buffs. The carved stonework, elegant columns, and fusion of Anatolian architecture are attractive features of this historical landmark. The cultural heritage and easily accessible location in the heart of Erzurum make it popular among travelers who come here to learn the customs and traditions of the Seljuk era.
- Great Mosque, Diyarbakır
The primary reason to visit this mosque is to explore Turkey’s ancient heritage. The impressive architectural features and attractive artwork, such as Arabic inscriptions and geometric patterns, invite visitors to explore the political past. With its centric fountain and arches, the courtyard creates a peaceful setting to relax and offer prayers.
- Muradiye Mosque, Manisa
This historical landmark was built in the 16th century and presents a masterwork of Sinan, who showed his expertise in all the dominating mosques of Turkey. The classical Ottoman construction style and historical significance provoke visitors to spend time in the Sultan Murad family’s cultural exploration. The Iznik tiles’ bright color selection and artistic floral patterns create a serene, enjoyable beauty.
- Husrev Pasha Mosque, Van
The mosque is an important attraction for those who want to experience the Ottoman legacy because it reflects a perfect connection between past and present. The detailed stonework and experienced craftsmanship over the entrance majestically welcome visitors. Rich cultural heritage with balanced, functional architectural features and beauty offers a masterpiece. Decorated wooden doors present the historical craftsmanship and expertise in tile work, leaving all visitors awe-inspired
- Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, Sivas
This UNESCO site has diverse influences on its architectural design, such as the mosque, a fusion of Byzantine, Persian, and Seljuk styles. The multipurpose structure was built in 1228; its healthcare and religious functions showcase the innovative approach of the architect, who utilized his skills to create a memorable building. The mosque is in a serene town and an inspired environment to spend time in isolation. Wooden ceilings with stone columns and wooden pulpit with decorated mihrab are capturable features of the mosque.
Final Analysis
Turkey is full of architectural marvels and historical landmarks; its preserved heritage offers a unique way to explore regional culture and old traditions. A visit to all the described religious places and pilgrimage sites will give you a detailed historical overview of Turkey’s different rules, from Seljuk to Ottoman, and their construction differences. Turkey is a beautiful country with beautiful places and warm-hearted people, and it has a rich history that fascinates and gives a huge lesson about humanity, struggle, justice, and courage. Whether you want a tranquil escape, a historical gem, or a gateway to a corner for meditation, Turkey has something for everyone. So, if you are curious about the Ottoman Empire’s rise and fall and especially about Muslim history, then you should visit these mosques because they played a crucial role throughout the historical ups and downs. We assure you will get a powerful spiritual peace visiting them.
