Turkey is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world from the mighty Blue Mosque in Istanbul to the 14th-century wonder of Bursa. Not only does Turkey have some of the most captivating mosques in the Islamic world, it also boasts some of the most historically rich; each with its own story and unique past. Whether you’re planning to visit Turkey or have already done so, here are some of the nation’s most beautiful mosques.
1. Blue Mosque in Istanbul
Built in 1616, this mosque is aptly named because of the blue tiles that adorn the upper level but these pale in comparison to its spellbinding architecture, of magnificent domes and six majestic minarets penetrating the skyline of this bustling metropolis. The Blue Mosque is not only a significant aesthetic landmark, but also fully functioning so visiting times are restricted to when prayer is not in session.
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 Ottoman architect Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa during the reign of Sultan Ahmet I (reigned 1603-1617), the mosque was a stamp of Ottoman imperial power, boasting a controversial six minarets (equalling the same number as Mecca's grand mosque).
2. Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya Camii)
Originally built as a Greek Patriarchal Cathedral, it was the largest cathedral of the time. That was until the capital of the Byzantine Empire was captured by the Ottoman conquest. Istanbul then became the largest city in the Muslim Ottoman Empire. Consequently, the cathedral was converted into one of the prominent mosques in Istanbul with four minarets to reflect the religion of the empire. It was the first of the religious buildings to contain Byzantine elements.
In 1935, the Republic Period, this spot was transformed into a museum. Controversially, in 2020, it was converted again into a mosque in Istanbul. This means that it’s free to enter.
3. Sabancı Central Mosque, Adana
One of the largest Turkish mosques, Sabanci is inspired by the Selimiye Mosque of Edirne and Sultan Ahmed’s masjid. It has six minarates and eight pillars carrying the main dome. Standing tall on the banks of the Seyhan River, Sabanci Central Mosque is built over a land of 52,600 sq.m with a closed area of 6,600 sq.m.
4. Grand Mosque of Bursa – Bursa
Built in the centre of the former Ottoman capital, the Grand Mosque of Bursa is a sight to behold. Constructed between 1396 and 1399, it’s not only one of Turkey’s most beautiful mosques but also one of the oldest. It is recognisable by its unique Seljuk style and even has its own UNESCO status. Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I built it to mark the victory over Nicopolis, which served as a major turning point. He intended to make the mosque as grand as the victory and that, he did.
5. Grand Mosque in Mardin
The Grand Mosque was constructed between 1184 and 1200, although records suggest the single minaret overlooking the ancient Mesopotamia plains was erected towards the end of the 19th century. Leading Assyrian orthodox scholars have said the Grand Mosque was converted from a Christian church but no further investigations have confirmed this. A massive dome is erected on six piers and the architecture is further complemented by porches and a small intricately decorated fountain.
6. Selimiye Mosque
Edirne was the second capital of the Ottoman Empire (after Bursa and before Istanbul), but the city's grandest piece of Ottoman architecture stems from Sultan Selim II's reign (Sultan Süleyman I's son; reigned 1566-1574) and is the work of the imperial court's chief architect, Sinan.
The four slender minarets of the Selimiye Mosque (Selimiye Cami) are a towering 71 meters high. Historians think it probable that at the time of their construction, they were the tallest mosque minarets in the world.
The main interior dome, centered round an octagonal support structure of pillars and arches, measures a vast 31.3 meters in diameter.
Inside, panels of calligraphy and the geometric designs of the arch borders are highlighted by light from hundreds of windows, deliberately focusing visitors' attention on the upper levels and dome of the prayer hall and creating a serene sense of vast space.
7. Şakirin Mosque
Şakirin not only stands out with its modern exterior but also its interior, which was designed by Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, notably making her the first woman to design a mosque in modern Turkey. From its water-drop shaped glass globe chandelier to the decorative motifs, Şakirin is a true beauty.
