Mosques of the Historic Peninsula: historic mosques to visit in and around Sultanahmet
Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula is one of the places in the world where the densest and oldest examples of mosque architecture stand side by side. On this page we have gathered 22 historic mosques in the area stretching from Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Beyazıt and Fatih to the city walls: from Hagia Sophia and Little Hagia Sophia, converted from Byzantine churches, to Mimar Sinan’s masterpiece Süleymaniye, from Rüstem Pasha with its famous tiles to Nuruosmaniye, the first Ottoman Baroque mosque.
All of them are working mosques and visiting is free (except for the gallery section of Hagia Sophia reserved for foreign visitors). Each mosque page gives the construction date, the architect, the nearest tram stop, stroller access and the walking time from our closest family hotel.
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Kariye Mosque (Chora)
Byzantine church converted into a mosque (with mosaics and frescoes)
78 min from Sultanahmet
What should you keep in mind when visiting mosques?
- Prayer times: Mosques stop admitting visitors for about 30–90 minutes during each of the five daily prayers and the Friday noon prayer. Plan your day around prayer times; early morning is the quietest time.
- Clothing: Women cover their hair and keep shoulders and knees covered; men wear long trousers rather than shorts. Large mosques lend free scarves and wraps at the entrance.
- Shoes: Shoes are not worn on the carpeted area; you put them in the bags provided at the entrance and carry them with you.
- Quiet: Do not walk in front of people who are praying and do not use flash. With children, short and calm visits work best.
What is an imperial (selatin) mosque?
Imperial or selatin mosques are large mosques commissioned by sultans or members of the sultan’s family (valide sultans, princes). They usually have two or more minarets, wide courtyards and a complex (külliye) around them made up of a madrasa, a soup kitchen (imaret), a bathhouse and a tomb. The main imperial mosques of the Historic Peninsula are Fatih, Beyazıt, Yavuz Selim, Süleymaniye, Şehzade, Sultanahmet, the New Mosque, Nuruosmaniye and Laleli. For those who want to see them all in order, we have prepared an imperial mosques route.
Frequently asked questions
Which mosques in the Historic Peninsula are must-sees?
On a first visit, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Rüstem Pasha Mosque are the most recommended. If you have time, add Little Hagia Sophia, the New Mosque and Kariye.
Is there an entry fee for mosques?
No, entry to working mosques is free. The only exception is Hagia Sophia: since 2024 foreign visitors pay to tour the upper galleries through a separate entrance, while Turkish citizens and those who want to pray enter free.
When are mosques open to visitors?
Usually from after the morning prayer (around 8:30–9:00) until the night prayer; visits pause during prayer times. On Fridays the noon prayer is busier, so avoid the midday hours.
Can you visit a mosque with children?
Yes. The courtyards of large mosques are spacious and strollers can go as far as the courtyard; inside, you take off your shoes and leave the stroller outside. Short, calm visits are most comfortable for both children and worshippers.