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Islam’s influence, architecturally and culturally, can be seen in the mosques of Turkey. Turkey, a land where East meets West, is renowned for its majestic mosques that showcase incredible architectural prowess and spiritual significance. From Ottoman-era masterpieces to modern marvels, these mosques reflect Turkey’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Visitors are mesmerised by the intricate domes, tall minarets, and beautifully adorned interiors that tell stories of centuries past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or a spiritual seeker, exploring the best mosques in Turkey is a journey into the heart of its vibrant Islamic culture.
Top 10 Most Famous Mosques In Turkey
Discover the most famous mosques in Turkey, known for their stunning architecture and historical importance. Explore the oldest, biggest, and best mosques reflecting Turkey’s rich Islamic heritage.
1. Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a remarkable architectural gem in Istanbul, Turkey. Completed in 1616, this mosque is famous for its stunning blue tiles, six minarets, and grand domes. The mosque’s design beautifully blends Ottoman and Byzantine elements, with an expansive courtyard and intricate mosaics. It continues to be an active place of worship, attracting both pilgrims and tourists. The serene interior, with its stunning prayer hall and light-filled atmosphere, offers a peaceful experience.
Key Feature: Iconic blue tiles and six minarets
Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul
2. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Photo: Musacan Eruygur / Pexels
Hagia Sophia, now a Turkey mosque, is a remarkable example of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Originally an Orthodox church, later a mosque, and then a museum, it was re-converted to a mosque in 2020. This iconic mosque has a unique blend of Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy, symbolizing Turkey’s historical crossroads. Hagia Sophia is the famous location where the first council of Nicea took place in 325 AD. It is often regarded as the best mosque in Turkey for its cultural significance.
Key Feature: Blend of Byzantine and Islamic art
Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul
3. Selimiye Mosque, Edirne
Photo: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons
Designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne is regarded as one of his greatest masterpieces. Famous for its colossal dome, which surpasses the Blue Mosque in size, it also boasts stunning Islamic art, intricate calligraphy, and exquisite marble work. Completed in 1575, this mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as one of the oldest and most iconic mosques in Turkey. Its architectural beauty and serene ambience attract visitors from around the world.,
Key Feature: UNESCO-listed masterpiece by Mimar Sinan
Location: Edirne
4. Çamlıca Mosque
Photo: Håkan Henriksson / Wikimedia Commons
The Çamlıca Mosque, inaugurated in 2019, is the biggest mosque in Turkey, located on Çamlıca Hill, offering panoramic views of Istanbul. Combining Ottoman architectural grandeur with contemporary design, the mosque features a vast prayer hall that can accommodate up to 63,000 worshippers. The complex also includes a library, art gallery, conference centre, and an outdoor courtyard with beautiful gardens. Its intricate details and scale make it a prominent symbol of Istanbul’s modern Islamic architecture.
Key Feature: Largest mosque with modern amenities
Location: Çamlıca Hill, Istanbul
5. Yeni Mosque (New Mosque)
The Yeni Mosque, built in the 17th century, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Located near the Spice Bazaar, it boasts a stunning exterior with multiple domes and a grand courtyard. Inside, visitors are captivated by intricate Iznik tiles and ornate calligraphy. This mosque, a fine example of Ottoman architecture, offers a tranquil retreat amid the bustling city. Its location makes it a must-visit for tourists exploring Istanbul’s historic heart.
Key Feature: Intricate Iznik tiles and domes
Location: Eminönü, Istanbul
6. Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque)
Photo: Yahia.Mokhtar / Wikimedia Commons
Ulu Cami, located in Bursa, is one of the most famous mosques in Turkey, built in the 14th century during the early Ottoman period. Known for its 20 domes, intricately carved wooden pulpit, and stunning calligraphy panels, it is an architectural masterpiece. The mosque’s serene atmosphere and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Ottoman art and history. Ulu Cami continues to attract both spiritual visitors and art enthusiasts alike.
Key Feature: Early Ottoman architecture with 20 domes
Location: Bursa
7. Sabancı Merkez Mosque
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Sabancı Merkez Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey, accommodates up to 28,000 people. Its stunning white exterior, five massive domes, and six tall minarets make it a standout architectural marvel in Adana. Situated along the scenic Seyhan River, the mosque offers serene views of the water and surrounding landscape. Opened in 1998, it’s known for its peaceful ambience and intricate interior design, making it a must-visit landmark in the region.
Key Feature: Grand capacity and scenic river views
Location: Adana
8. Isa Bey Mosque
Photo: Dosseman / Wikimedia Commons
Isa Bey Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Turkey, was built in the 14th century and showcases a unique blend of Seljuk and Ottoman architectural styles. Its asymmetrical design, ornate stone carvings, and intricate tile work make it a stunning example of historic Islamic architecture. Located near the ancient ruins of Ephesus, this mosque offers a peaceful retreat for visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into Turkey’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Key Feature: Unique asymmetrical design
Location: Selçuk, Izmir
9. Fatih Mosque
Photo: Dosseman / Wikimedia Commons
The Fatih Mosque, constructed in the 15th century to honour Sultan Mehmed II (Fatih Sultan Mehmet), is a popular mosque in Turkey with deep historical significance. Located in Istanbul, it was one of the first monumental Ottoman mosques built after the conquest of Constantinople. Renowned for its large dome, elegant minarets, and intricate tilework, the mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Its surrounding area bustles with vibrant markets and authentic eateries, offering a rich cultural experience.
Key Feature: Historical significance linked to Sultan Mehmed II
Location: Fatih, Istanbul
10. Great Mosque Of Diyarbakır
Photo: Cemallamec / Wikimedia Commons
The Great Mosque of Diyarbakır, one of the oldest and most significant mosques in Turkey, was built in the 7th century during the Umayyad period. Constructed with distinctive black basalt stones, it is an architectural marvel that reflects the region’s rich Islamic heritage. The mosque features intricately carved details, spacious courtyards, and a unique layout influenced by Roman basilicas. Its historical and cultural importance makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travellers alike.
Key Feature: Unique black basalt stone architecture
Location: Diyarbakır
Mosques in Turkey are a testament to the country’s rich cultural and Islamic heritage, blending history, spirituality, and stunning architecture. From the grandeur of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to lesser-known treasures scattered across the nation, these sacred sites reflect Turkey’s artistic and historical significance. Visitors can explore the oldest mosques in Turkey or marvel at the grandeur of the largest ones, each offering a profound sense of serenity and awe. Discover the spiritual beauty of Turkey with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: AXP Photography / Pexels
