Zeyrek Mosque: the second-largest Byzantine religious building in Istanbul
- Mosques
- Zeyrek, Fatih
- Free
Family hotels closest to Zeyrek Mosque
Visitor information
| Type | Byzantine monastery church converted into a mosque |
|---|---|
| Built | 1118–1136 |
| Commissioned by / architect | Empress Irene and Emperor John II Komnenos |
| Neighbourhood | Zeyrek, 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 | 12–15 min from the M2 Vezneciler-İstanbul Ü. or Haliç stop |
| From Sultanahmet Square | 2.9 km; a long walk, public transport recommended |
| Pushchair / stroller | Difficult; a baby carrier is better. The streets of Zeyrek are steep and cobbled |
| Best time | In the afternoon, together with the Zeyrek Çinili Hamam |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
From three churches to one mosque
The monastery founded by Empress Irene was enlarged by her husband John II Komnenos: the monastery church to the south, a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary to the north, and between them the burial chapel of the Komnenos family. After the conquest the south church became a mosque and the monastery buildings a madrasa. The building is the centre of the Zeyrek area of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Historic Areas of Istanbul”.
What to see in Zeyrek
Some of the 19th-century wooden houses around the mosque have been preserved. The Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, reopened after restoration, is a 3-minute walk away, and the Süleymaniye Mosque 15 minutes. From the mosque garden you can enjoy views of the Golden Horn and Galata.
Visiting tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for Zeyrek’s steep streets, and use a baby carrier rather than a stroller.
- Walk from the Süleymaniye to Zeyrek via Vefa, stopping on the way at the Vefa Bozacısı (a historic boza shop).
Our family hotels near Zeyrek 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
Zeyrek Mosque: 39 min walk (2.8 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Zeyrek Mosque: 40 min walk (2.8 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Zeyrek Mosque: 40 min walk (2.8 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Zeyrek Mosque: 40 min walk (2.8 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
What was the Zeyrek Mosque originally called?
In the Byzantine period the Zeyrek Mosque was the Pantokrator Monastery. Pantokrator means “almighty”.
