Rustem Pasha Mosque
Rustem Pasha Mosque
4.5
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
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One of the smaller mosques in the city, it was built by Rustem Pasa in 1561 and is noted for the very fine tiles covering the interior and exterior walls.
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Neighborhood: Sirkeci
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,247 reviews
Excellent
1,562
Very good
550
Average
104
Poor
15
Terrible
16
dr48aha
Fethiye, Türkiye193 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Rüstem Paşa Mosque is in the Hasırcılar Bazaar in Tahtakale (Eminönü) district. It was built in the 16th century. Especially tulip motif tiles are considered as one of the most successful examples of Ottoman tile art. Architect Sinan built shops under the mosque and created a basement. Although it is easy to see the mosque from afar, but it is not easy to find its entrance. You pass in front of it, but you may not notice the door, be careful. The mosque is reached by stairs from both sides. The crowd of the bazaar and the peace of the mosque; It is as if it reflects two separate worlds side by side. Since it is in a touristic area, it is easy to reach and there is shopping opportunity around. Do not come by car, it is almost impossible to find a parking place.
I recommend that women bring a headscarf and long skirts if they are wearing short shorts.
I would definitely recommend.
I recommend that women bring a headscarf and long skirts if they are wearing short shorts.
I would definitely recommend.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank D
Slidell, LA1,312 contributions
Jul 2022
Google Maps on your phone will greatly help in finding this beautiful little mosque that is somewhat hidden. You don't find your way into this mosque by accident. It's a bit out of the way and not visibly advertised by a big, highly visible building and minarets. There is a rather indistinct door at street level that accesses a flight of stairs up to the mosque entrance.
This is a small mosque famous for its Iznik tile work. There are approximately 2300 tiles arranged in around 80 different patterns. Although small, the mosque is beautifully proportioned and the interior is covered in some of the most exquisite Ä°znik faience(colored tiles) ever produced.
This is a small mosque famous for its Iznik tile work. There are approximately 2300 tiles arranged in around 80 different patterns. Although small, the mosque is beautifully proportioned and the interior is covered in some of the most exquisite Ä°znik faience(colored tiles) ever produced.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ferda b
Nanaimo, Canada64 contributions
Sep 2019
A bit tricky to find but worth it! From Yenikapi tram station, head towards the front entrance Egyptian bazar or Spice Market. Don't enter. Stay outside and follow the right hand side (if you are facing the entrance) of the market OUTSIDE past cheese vendors and etc. Continue on until you see (and smell the coffee) Mehmet Efendi Kurukahveci. Pass the coffee shop and turn right down the street before Mehmet Efendi's. Walk straight down for 5 minutes and the mosque will be on the right. You'll turn right to find the entrance I think.
It is another masterpiece from Mimar Sinan, the celebrated Turkish architect. The combination of red carpets and the turquoise tiles is breathtakingly beautiful and because it is in a smaller scale than his other mosques, the impact is intensified. Remember women to dress modestly and bring a scarf to cover your head. There's no shortage of beautiful scarves around to buy if need be.
This whole area is full of treasures if you are willing to look. I recommend having lunch at Saray Muhallebicisi back towards Yeni Cami. They are very good.
It is another masterpiece from Mimar Sinan, the celebrated Turkish architect. The combination of red carpets and the turquoise tiles is breathtakingly beautiful and because it is in a smaller scale than his other mosques, the impact is intensified. Remember women to dress modestly and bring a scarf to cover your head. There's no shortage of beautiful scarves around to buy if need be.
This whole area is full of treasures if you are willing to look. I recommend having lunch at Saray Muhallebicisi back towards Yeni Cami. They are very good.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sam
Iran149 contributions
Oct 2021
Istanbul Rüstem Pasha Mosque is known as one of the most special mosques in the city. The construction of Rostam Pasha Mosque dates back to about 500 years ago and for this reason it has a treasure trove of memories in its heart.
During the 600 years of its rule, the Ottoman Empire built many mosques throughout the region under its rule. The reason for this was the importance that the government attached to the religion of Islam. This even caused the Ottoman Empire to gradually convert many of the churches built during the Byzantine period into mosques after its founding. Most of them, like the Rostam Pasha Mosque in Istanbul today, are among the most special, historic and magnificent historical buildings in the world.
During the 600 years of its rule, the Ottoman Empire built many mosques throughout the region under its rule. The reason for this was the importance that the government attached to the religion of Islam. This even caused the Ottoman Empire to gradually convert many of the churches built during the Byzantine period into mosques after its founding. Most of them, like the Rostam Pasha Mosque in Istanbul today, are among the most special, historic and magnificent historical buildings in the world.
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
County-Hunter
Tacoma, WA3,091 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The blue mosque was closed for renovations and the Hagia Sophia had huge lines so our guide suggested this mosque as the one to visit. It is easy to get to as it close to the Spice bazaar and other touristy areas. We walked here from the Hagia Sophia and were quite tired. The mosque has some nice tile work, but beyond that, there wasn't a lot else to see. Unless you really want to visit a mosque and were in the area, I would probably skip it.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin H
Hong Kong, China771 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We made a special detour here to see this beautiful mosque but everything was totally covered by boards for the renovation so you can't see a single tile. The mosque is,still open for prayer. Will have to come back in a few years to see it.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rola H
Lebanon14 contributions
Sep 2021
I felt like it was a hidden gem in Istanbul.
A bit tricky to find and not as famous as the bigger mosques (Blue Mosque for instance).
On the other hand it is not busy and it is extremely beautiful.
The blue tiles are gorgeous.
Note that the mosque is not visible from the street and is raised above the shops, so find the stairs that take you up.
It is by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan who built The Süleymaniye Mosque (another must visit).
A bit tricky to find and not as famous as the bigger mosques (Blue Mosque for instance).
On the other hand it is not busy and it is extremely beautiful.
The blue tiles are gorgeous.
Note that the mosque is not visible from the street and is raised above the shops, so find the stairs that take you up.
It is by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan who built The Süleymaniye Mosque (another must visit).
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
1,939 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
Hidden gem. I have visited Istanbul many times including staying there for a while. I have seen most of the tourist attractions so each time I come, I try to visit something off the beaten track. Although difficult to find in the maze of streets behind the carpet bazaar, it was worth it. Hidden gem. Climb up the stairs and you are greeted with beautiful architecture, an oasis of peace and calm away from the chaotic market below. Highly recommend. Don't bother asking anyone for directions as nobody has heard of it! Just use the GPS on your phone!
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moe_Ipak
United States337 contributions
Jun 2022
LOVE the small and ancient mosque. This truly is a hidden gem. It's beautiful from the inside. With the windows open and the wind coming in, it was nice and cool. It is above the spice market. Make the effort and visit this, you should not regret it.
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alf T
Houston, TX98 contributions
Dec 2022
Must see when in Istanbulbecause of the blue tiles. Amazing upstairs mosque showing details on the famous blue tiles. While the blue mosque is under renovation - come here and see what gave the blue mosque its name.
But it is smaller and hence ou can see more detail and can get up closer to the tiles. very impressive
aand kids are highly valued int he islamic culture - they are allowed to do whatever in a mosque - just great!
But it is smaller and hence ou can see more detail and can get up closer to the tiles. very impressive
aand kids are highly valued int he islamic culture - they are allowed to do whatever in a mosque - just great!
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColoradoVirginia
colorado327 contributions
Any idea when it might be open to the public. I will be in Istanbul in May
Seyyah
istanbul178 contributions
There is no information about it. But it should be open in that time
Vanesantander
Santiago, Chile17 contributions
Qué dias esta abierto? y cuales son los horarios de oración?
Jeffry B
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Hi, Jeffry. What would you like to know about this attraction?
GZR
Paris, France
Bonjour, merci pour ces informations précieuse. Je voudrais savoir SVP si l'entrée est gratuite. Merci
Caroline G
Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland164 contributions
Oui l'entrée de la mosquée est gratuite,ainsi que toutes les autres. Bonne visite
Rustem Pasha Mosque, Istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions about Rustem Pasha Mosque
- We recommend booking Rustem Pasha Mosque tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 54 Rustem Pasha Mosque tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Rustem Pasha Mosque:
- (0.13 mi) Hotel Zambak
- (0.13 mi) Riverside Hotel
- (0.19 mi) Ağva Deniz Yıldızı Otel
- (0.20 mi) Assortie La Villa Hotel
- (0.19 mi) Velena Hotel
- Restaurants near Rustem Pasha Mosque:
- (0.17 mi) Kofteci Yusuf
- (0.17 mi) KFC
- (0.19 mi) Acqua Verde Hotel
- (0.27 mi) Saray
- (0.33 mi) Cinarli Et Lokantasi