7 Most Famous Mosques in Turkey

Turkey is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world, from the magnificent Blue Mosque in Istanbul to the 14th-century miracle of Bursa. Turkey not only has some of the most fascinating mosques in the Islamic world, but also some of the richest mosques in history; each with its own history and unique past. Whether you are planning to visit Turkey or have already done so, here are some of the most beautiful mosques in the country.

1. Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Built in 1616, the mosque is aptly named for the blue tiles that adorn the upper floors, but they are nothing compared to its charming architecture, its majestic dome and the six imposing minarets that dot the skyline of this bustling metropolis. Appears pale. In addition to being an important aesthetic landmark, the Blue Mosque is fully functional, so visits are limited to non-worship hours.

It sits right in the center of Sultanahmet, the city's old town district, with its domes and minarets a direct architectural rival to the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) dominating the opposite side of Sultanahmet Square.

Built by the Ottoman architect Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I (1603-1617), the mosque is a symbol of Ottoman power with its controversial six minarets (equivalent to Mecca). Great Mosque).

2. Ayasofya Camii

It was originally built as a Greek patriarchal cathedral, the largest of its time. Until the capital of the Byzantine Empire was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul then became the largest city in the Muslim Ottoman Empire. As a result, the cathedral was converted into one of Istanbul's most famous mosques, with four minarets to reflect the religion of the empire. It was the first religious building to incorporate Byzantine elements.

During the Republic of China in 1935, it was turned into a museum. Controversially, it was converted into a mosque in Istanbul again in 2020. That means admission is free.

3. Adana Sabancı Central Mosque

Sabanci is one of the largest mosques in Turkey, inspired by the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne and the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed. It has six minarates and eight columns that support the main dome. The Sabanci Central Mosque stands tall on the banks of the Seyhan River and covers an area of ​​52,600 square meters with an enclosed area of ​​6,600 square meters.

4. Bursa Grand Mosque – Bursa

Built in the heart of the former Ottoman capital, the Bursa Grand Mosque is a sight to behold. Built between 1396 and 1399, it is not only one of the most beautiful mosques in Turkey, but also one of the oldest. It is famous for its unique Seljuk style and even has its own UNESCO status. I built the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid on the occasion of the victory over Nicopolis, which was an important turning point. He intended to make the mosque as great as the victory, and he did.

5. Mardin Grand Mosque

The Great Mosque was built between 1184 and 1200, but records indicate that the single minaret overlooking the ancient plains of Mesopotamia was erected at the end of the 19th century. Leading Assyrian Orthodox scholars say the Great Mosque was converted from a Christian church, but no further research has confirmed this. A massive dome is built on six pillars, and the porch and a small ornate fountain further complement the building.

6. Selimiye Mosque

Edirne was the second capital of the Ottoman Empire (after Bursa and before Istanbul), but the city's greatest Ottoman architecture dates back to Sultan Süleyman I (reigned 1566-1574) ) during his reign, and was the work of the Empire, the chief architect of the court, Sinan.

The four slender minarets of the Selimiye Cami are 71 meters high. Historians believe they were likely the tallest mosque minarets in the world at the time of their construction.

The main internal dome is centered on an octagonal column and arched support structure with a diameter of 31.3 meters.

Inside, light from hundreds of windows accentuates calligraphic panels and a geometric pattern surrounded by arches, deliberately drawing the attention of visitors to the upper level and dome of the prayer hall, creating a sense of serene spaciousness.

7. Şakirin Mosque

Not only is Şakirin notable for her modern looks, but also for her interiors designed by Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, making her the first woman to design a mosque in modern Turkey. From spherical drop-shaped chandeliers to decorative patterns, Şakirin is a real beauty.