Hırka-i Şerif Mosque: where the Prophet Muhammad’s mantle is kept
- Mosques
- Karagümrük, Fatih
- Free
Family hotels closest to Hırka-i Şerif Mosque
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Hırka-i Şerif Mosque: 59 min walk (4.1 km) Walking route
Visitor information
| Type | Imperial mosque (where the Prophet’s mantle is kept) |
|---|---|
| Built | 1847–1851 |
| Commissioned by / architect | Sultan Abdülmecid |
| Neighbourhood | Karagümrük, Fatih |
| Opening hours | Daily from morning until the night (isha) prayer; visitors are not admitted during prayer times |
| Admission | Free (there is a donation box) |
| Time needed | 20–30 min (on the viewing days in Ramadan there can be queues of several hours) |
| Getting there | 10 min walk from the Fatih Mosque; 15 min by taxi from Sultanahmet |
| From Sultanahmet Square | 4.5 km; a long walk, public transport recommended |
| Pushchair / stroller | Easy with a stroller |
| Best time | The viewing days in Ramadan, to see the Holy Mantle |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
The story of the Holy Mantle
According to tradition, the Prophet Muhammad bequeathed his mantle to the Yemeni companion Uwais al-Qarani; for centuries it was kept by the Üveysi family, descendants of Uwais, and it was brought to Istanbul in the 17th century. Abdülmecid built this mosque for the mantle, together with a residence next to it where the family lived. Unlike the Holy Mantle (Hırka-i Saadet) in Topkapı Palace, the relic here is still in the care of the family.
Architecture
The mosque is a cut-stone building showing the Empire and neoclassical influences of the 19th century; its slender minarets stand out with balconies that resemble Corinthian columns. The calligraphy inside is by Kazasker Mustafa İzzet Efendi, the famous calligrapher of Abdülmecid’s time.
Visiting tips
- On the viewing days in Ramadan the queues spill into the streets; it is best to go early and bring water with you.
- See it together with the Fatih Mosque and the Tomb of Mehmed the Conqueror.
Our family hotels near Hırka-i Şerif Mosque
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Hırka-i Şerif Mosque: 59 min walk (4.1 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Hırka-i Şerif Mosque: 59 min walk (4.2 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Hırka-i Şerif Mosque: 60 min walk (4.2 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Hırka-i Şerif Mosque: 60 min walk (4.2 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
When is the Holy Mantle open for viewing?
The Holy Mantle is opened to the public every year during Ramadan, on days announced in advance. The dates change each year, so follow the announcements before Ramadan.
