Rüstem Pasha Mosque: Istanbul’s finest İznik tiles and how to visit
- Mosques
- Eminönü (Tahtakale), Fatih
- Free
Family hotels closest to Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Visitor information
| Type | Vizier’s mosque (famous for its tiles) |
|---|---|
| Built | 1561–1563 |
| Commissioned by / architect | For Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha; Mimar Sinan |
| Neighbourhood | Eminönü (Tahtakale), 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 |
| Getting there | T1 Eminönü stop, 5 min walk |
| From Sultanahmet Square | About 26 min walk (1.8 km) |
| Pushchair / stroller | Difficult; a baby carrier is better. The mosque sits on a raised terrace above shops; you reach the entrance by narrow stone stairs |
| Best time | In the morning, before the Spice Bazaar gets crowded |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
The mosque of tiles
What makes the Rüstem Pasha Mosque unique is the İznik tilework covering every surface, from the mihrab wall to the outer portico. Produced in the second half of the 16th century, at the height of the İznik workshops, these tiles show tulips, carnations, hyacinths, pomegranate blossoms and rumi motifs, as well as the famous “tomato red”. Many art historians say the variety of tiles inside is even richer than in the Blue Mosque.
Why is it above the shops?
Because space was tight in the trading district on the Golden Horn, Mimar Sinan set the mosque on an arched substructure; the rent from the shops below was the endowment income that paid for the mosque’s upkeep. That is why the mosque cannot be seen from the street; you reach the courtyard by a narrow stone staircase in the Hasırcılar Bazaar.
Visiting tips
- To find the entrance, leave the Spice Bazaar by its west gate and walk 2 minutes along Hasırcılar Street; the stepped doorway is on your left.
- The mosque is small and closes at prayer times; see it in the same morning as the Spice Bazaar and the New Mosque.
- The colours of the tiles look best in daylight; the hours before midday are ideal.
Our family hotels near Rüstem Pasha 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
Rüstem Pasha Mosque: 29 min walk (2 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Rüstem Pasha Mosque: 29 min walk (2 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Sareban Hotel
Rüstem Pasha Mosque: 29 min walk (2.1 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Rüstem Pasha Mosque: 29 min walk (2.1 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
Who was Rüstem Pasha?
Rüstem Pasha was an Ottoman statesman who was married to Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, and served twice as grand vizier. The mosque was completed after his death by his wife Mihrimah Sultan.
