Rustem Pasha Mosque

I visited the Rüstem Pasha Mosque today and it was truly amazing. The architecture is breathtaking, with its elegant domes and tall minarets creating a serene atmosphere. Inside and outside, everything is clean and well-maintained, making it a peaceful place to pray or simply enjoy the beauty of the design. The people were welcoming and respectful, which made my visit even more special. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.

After watching the Turkish drama Magnificent Century, I always thought Rustem Pasha was such an unpleasant man. But seeing this beautiful mosque he commissioned made me wonder if, in reality, he might have been a gentle and sensitive person. From floor to ceiling, it’s covered in Iznik tiles—a design I haven’t seen in any other mosque. Because it isn’t very well known, you can take your time exploring it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hidden gem that makes other mosques look positively understated 💎🎨 Rüstem Paşa Camii is what happens when a 16th-century grand vizier decides to show off - and thank goodness he did. Tucked away above the shops near the Egyptian Bazaar, this architectural marvel is Istanbul's best-kept secret hiding in plain sight. The climb up those narrow stairs might leave you slightly breathless, but nothing prepares you for the visual assault waiting inside. This place is absolutely dripping in İznik tiles - and I mean proper, gorgeous, museum-quality ceramics covering nearly every surface. The floral patterns, geometric designs, and that distinctive blue-and-white palette create a kaleidoscope effect that'll have you spinning around like a kid in a sweet shop. What's brilliant about this mosque is how it punches well above its weight. It's smaller than the big-name mosques, but the attention to detail is absolutely extraordinary. Every tile, every pattern, every colour choice screams quality over quantity. Sinan knew exactly what he was doing when he designed this beauty. The best part? It's usually blissfully quiet compared to the tourist crowds elsewhere. You can actually take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship without someone's selfie stick poking you in the ribs. Pro tip: The lighting is magical in late afternoon when the sun streams through the windows and hits those tiles just right. Pure Instagram gold, but more importantly, pure architectural poetry.

Absolutely gorgeous inside with all the blue colored tiles. It's very understated from the outside but beautiful inside. From Wikipedia "It was built by Mimar Sinan in 1561 for Damat Rüstem Pasha, one of Suleiman the Magnificent 's Grand Viziers and the husband of his daughter Mihrimah Sultan . The 1562 water property registry (Konyalı) states that the mosque was completed. However, despite this statement, Mimar Sinan was still busy determining and preparing the mosque's location in 1562. Its completion may have been estimated between 1562 and 1564. The previous masjid on the site of the mosque is known as the Halil Efendi Masjid or the Kenise (Church) Masjid. Because the site of this masjid was located in a hollow, Mimar Sinan built shops underneath the masjid, creating a basement. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque was built on its site."

It is easy to miss it but worth visit. Only few tourists come here so you can enjoy beautiful architecture in Goods presence in peace.

A peaceful environment inside the masjid with a separate section and entrance for women. Outside in the courtyard, the noise of the people from tons of shops around can be quite irritating. All in all a typical look to the beautiful mosque design and feel as the traditional mosques here. A huge ring of lights just under the main dome adds to the beauty of Turkish feel of mosques.

I agree with another reviewer on the peacefulness of this mosque. I very much enjoyed my visit. It’s gorgeous on the inside. I had the whole place to myself for a while. Just me and God. It’s about a 23 minute walk from the place I’m staying at in Begolyu. What’s interesting about this place is that right outside there are a ton of shops and restaurants. However, the peace one feels here can be intoxicating. I recommend visiting this mosque!

Amazing mosque, I really liked the fact that there is the possibility to ask some believers all the questions you have about Islam. I talked with one of them and he clarified a lot of doubts that I had about Islam religion!

"Rustem Pasha Mosque" The Rustem Pasha Mosque was designed by Ottoman imperial architect. The Rustem Pasha Mosque is famous for its large quantities of exquisite Iznik tiles, that's what differentiates this mosque from the others as No other mosque in Istanbul makes such a lavish use of these tiles. The mosque is quite old as it was built around 1561 until 1563. It's not as large as the Blue Mosque or the Suleymaniye Mosque; it is nonetheless impressive and welcoming.

Went to a few mosques including the famous Blue Mosque but must say, that this is my favourite of them all!! A gem tucked away off one of the alleyways in the Egyptian Bazaar. Climbing up the back stairs, you suddenly feel transported to another time/era and the big reveal of the mosque entrance. Fantastic example of the use of the gorgeous Iznik tiles!Non muslims can enter freely.A must visit.